African Peanut Soup

If you like peanut butter and a bit of spice, this is a great way to get both.  High in vitamin C and the nuts give a protein boost.  This is a soup I just love!

• 1 tsp veg oil
• 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp grated pealed ginger root (optional)
• 1 c chopped carrots
• 4 c vegetable stock or water
• 2 c chopped sweet potatoes
• 2 c tomato juice
• 1 c smooth peanut butter
• 1 c scallions or chives

Heat oil and saute onions till soft. Stir in cayenne and ginger. Add carrots and saute 3 minutes.

Mix in potatoes and stock. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes until veggies are tender.

Puree in blender or in the pan with immersion blender. Return to pan and add peanut butter.

Once blended test for salt and sweetness.  You can add sugar/agave/honey if you like.

Heavenly Tomato Soup

This is a family favorite.  It is so easy and quick.  Unlike a lot of soups who take hours for flavors to develop, this is a quick jaunt from pot to bowl. You can top it with chicken, tofu, or shredded beef.

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 carrot chopped
• 1 med onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 c flour
• 28 oz can of whole tomatoes or 3 pints of your canned tomatoes or 4 1/2 cups peeled cored chopped fresh tomatoes
• 16 oz vegetable/chicken broth
• 1 tbs Italian herbs or 6 leaves fresh chopped basil
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in pan and add carrot, onion and garlic.Saute until onion is tender. Add flour and stir till veggies are coated.  The little bit of flour helps to cut the acidity a bit and make the soup thicker.

Add tomatoes, stir and heat through.  Add broth and spices. break up tomatoes and simmer covered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.  

Puree soup in small batches in blender or with immersion blender in the pan.  Add cream, heat through and serve.

Cook's Notes

• If it is still too tart I add 1 tsp brown sugar/honey/agave nectar.
• Add 1/4 c Parmesan with cream for a spin.
• add minced sun dried tomatoes with herbs for a little kick.
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes really makes it zippy.