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Nkatenkwan (Ghanaian Groundnut Soup)

Ghanaian · Dinner · Easy

Nkatenkwan (Ghanaian Groundnut Soup)

Total
1 hr 25 min
Prep
20 min
Serves
6
Calories
440
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Peanut butter melts into a flowing tomato and ginger broth around tender chicken, making Ghanaian groundnut soup rich without turning it into a paste.

A bowl of Nkatenkwan (Ghanaian Groundnut Soup) should pour easily around the chicken. Peanut butter supplies body and richness, but enough water keeps the texture closer to soup than a dense peanut stew.

Use smooth peanut butter made from peanuts alone, or peanuts and salt. Sweetened spreads change the balance, and thickening the soup too far hides the ginger, tomato and chile that keep it lively.

RichSavorySpicyComfort FoodMake AheadGluten-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeHigh-proteinLow-carb

Method

  1. Blend onion, ginger, garlic and scotch bonnet with 1/2 cup water. Put in a large pot with chicken thighs and salt; cover and cook over medium-low heat for until the chicken releases juices.

  2. Blend the tomatoes with 1/2 cup water. Add to the chicken with tomato paste and cook uncovered for until the tomatoes lose their raw smell.

  3. Whisk peanut butter with 2 cups water in a bowl until smooth. Pour into the pot with the remaining 3 cups water, stirring around the chicken.

  4. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook partially covered over low heat for , stirring along the bottom, until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F.

  5. Skim excess fat if desired and check the texture: the soup should flow from a ladle. Add a little hot water if it has become too thick.

Forkue tips

  • Almond or sunflower seed butter can make a nutty-style soup, but neither reproduces groundnuts; use plain peanut butter for the characteristic flavor.

Storing and reheating

The peanut soup keeps refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Reheat slowly with water to restore a flowing texture, stirring at the bottom to prevent the peanut solids from catching.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

440Calories
32gProtein
14gCarbs
29gFat

Photo: Londonsista, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)

Nkatenkwan (Ghanaian Groundnut Soup): FAQ

Is groundnut the same as peanut?

Yes. Groundnut is the name commonly used for peanuts in this context, so smooth unsweetened peanut butter is suitable.

Why does oil rise to the surface?

Peanuts release some oil as the soup simmers. A light sheen is normal; skim off any excess while keeping enough for the soup's rich texture.

How do I store and reheat Nkatenkwan (Ghanaian Groundnut Soup)?

The peanut soup keeps refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Reheat slowly with water to restore a flowing texture, stirring at the bottom to prevent the peanut solids from catching.

How long does Nkatenkwan (Ghanaian Groundnut Soup) take?

About 1 hr 25 min in total: 20 min prep and 1 hr 5 min cooking.

What do I need to make Nkatenkwan (Ghanaian Groundnut Soup)?

The key ingredients are chicken thigh, peanut butter, tomato, onion, ginger and garlic, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Nkatenkwan (Ghanaian Groundnut Soup)?

Almond or sunflower seed butter can make a nutty-style soup, but neither reproduces groundnuts; use plain peanut butter for the characteristic flavor.

Cook this next

More chickenMore peanut butterMore tomatoesMore scotch bonnet pepper