Cookbook:M'batata (Sweet Potato And Peanut Soup)

M'batata (Sweet Potato And Peanut Soup)
Category	Soup recipes
Difficulty

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M'batata is a flavorful and creamy soup popular in the Central African Republic. It combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of peanuts, resulting in a comforting and nourishing dish.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup unsalted peanuts
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon chile powder (optional, for heat)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cup coconut milk (optional)
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender or food processor
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Soup ladle
• Potato masher or fork

Procedure

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot and stir them together with the onions and garlic for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
3. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring that the sweet potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily mashed with a fork, usually around 15–20 minutes.
4. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, toast the peanuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly browned. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the peanuts.
5. Transfer the toasted peanuts to a blender or food processor and process them until they form a smooth peanut butter-like consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor a few times to ensure everything is well blended.
6. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash the sweet potatoes until they are smooth and creamy in texture.
7. Return the pot to low heat and add the peanut butter to the mashed sweet potatoes, stirring well to combine. The soup will become thick and creamy.
8. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder (if desired), salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes.
9. If using coconut milk, pour it into the pot and stir it into the soup, adding an extra layer of creaminess and flavor. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
11. Ladle the m'batata into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.

Notes, tips, and variations

• M'batata is best served hot, and it pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad. This comforting soup is a wonderful representation of Central African cuisine, combining the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of peanuts to create a truly delicious and satisfying dish.