Are you craving a warm, hearty, and incredibly flavorful soup that's also surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Kuli Kuli recipe, inspired by the delicious West African peanut soup, is a perfect example of a healthy meal that's both quick and satisfying. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking endeavors. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Prepare to be amazed by this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust the quantities as needed.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, peanut butter, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring the peanut butter is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste becomes.
Step 4: Add Greens (Optional)
If using spinach or kale, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of simmering. The greens will wilt down nicely.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed – you might want a little more cumin or paprika depending on your preference. Serve hot, over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a creamier soup: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of some of the vegetable broth.
- Add protein: Cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be delicious additions to this soup. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Ensure your broth is vegetable-based and omit any non-vegetarian additions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Kuli Kuli recipe is a wonderful example of delicious and healthy food recipes, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined to create an unforgettable flavor experience. Enjoy!