Cuisine : Surinamese Peanut Soup - How to prepare

 

Surinamese peanut soup, known as "Pinda Soep," is a delicious and hearty dish. Here's a detailed recipe for you:

**Ingredients:**

- 1 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted)

- 1 cup peanut butter

- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces

- 1 cup diced smoked pork or bacon

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 carrots, peeled and diced

- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced

- 1 plantain, peeled and diced (optional)

- 1 cup chopped leafy greens (e.g., spinach or kale)

- 1 hot pepper (scotch bonnet or habanero), minced (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 8 cups chicken broth

- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Peanuts:**

   - Grind the roasted peanuts into a coarse powder using a food processor or mortar and pestle.

2. **Saute Chicken and Pork:**

   - In a large soup pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

   - Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened.

   - Add chicken and smoked pork (or bacon), and brown the meat.

3. **Add Vegetables:**

   - Stir in diced carrots, potatoes, and plantain (if using). Cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.

4. **Add Spices:**

   - Sprinkle ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients. Mix well to coat.

5. **Prepare Peanut Mixture:**

   - In a separate bowl, mix the ground roasted peanuts with peanut butter, forming a thick paste.

6. **Combine Peanut Mixture with Broth:**

   - Gradually add the peanut mixture to the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

7. **Add Broth to Pot:**

   - Pour the peanut and broth mixture into the pot with the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine.

8. **Simmer:**

   - Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook on low heat until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

9. **Add Leafy Greens and Pepper:**

   - Add the chopped leafy greens and minced hot pepper to the soup. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the greens are wilted.

10. **Adjust Seasoning:**

    - Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.

11. **Serve:**

    - Ladle the Surinamese peanut soup into bowls.

    - Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

    - Serve the soup hot and enjoy!

Surinamese peanut soup is a flavorful and comforting dish, showcasing the country's diverse culinary influences.