Recipe 36: Spicy Vegetable Soup With Peanut (Πικάντικη Σούπα Λαχανικών Με Φυστίκι)

This is yet another unusual soup. It is based on a traditional recipe from Lesotho, in South Africa, but slightly changed to become more suitable to a British palate.

Ingredients (serves 4-6):
2 medium onions, finely chopped
100 gr crunchy peanut butter (φυστικοβούτυρο)
350 gr tinned chopped tomatoes
900 ml vegetable stock (click here for recipe)
175 gr potatoes, peeled and chopped
75 gr pimento olives, drained
175 gr carrots, chopped
75 ml single cream
cayenne pepper to taste
paprika to taste

1) Gently cook the onions with the peanut butter and 1 tbsp of water for 5 minutes, in a covered saucepan, without colouring.

2) Add the tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, potatoes, pimentos and carrots.

3) Cover, bring to the boil and simmer gently until the vegetables are tender.

4) Stir in the cream and cayenne and paprika to taste. Serve sprinkled with fresh coriander leaves.