Welcome to the vibrant culinary world of the Caribbean Netherlands, where flavors dance and ingredients sing in harmony! Among the many treasures of this region is a dish that embodies the fusion of Caribbean and Dutch influences – Peanut Soup. Rich, creamy, and bursting with tantalizing spices, this soup is a beloved comfort food that warms the soul and delights the palate.

Originating from the Dutch Caribbean islands of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands Peanut Soup is a testament to the diverse cultural heritage of the region. Its roots can be traced back to West African cuisine, brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans centuries ago, and later adapted with local ingredients and Dutch culinary techniques.

In this recipe, we'll embark on a culinary journey to recreate the authentic flavors of Caribbean Netherlands Peanut Soup. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of adventure, and let's indulge in a bowl of pure Caribbean bliss!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1- Begin by roasting the peanuts. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once roasted, set aside to cool.

2- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3- Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.

4- Add the roasted peanuts to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and spices. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

5- Add the diced sweet potato, carrot, bell pepper, and tomato to the pot. Stir well to combine, then cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6- Once the vegetables are cooked through, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender (in batches if necessary) and blend until smooth and creamy.

7- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

8- Serve the Caribbean Netherlands Peanut Soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful delight with your favorite bread or crackers for a satisfying meal!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients:

1 cup unsalted peanuts:

• Calories: 828
• Fat: 72g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 38g

benefits:

• Rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
• Good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, niacin, magnesium, and manganese.
• May help lower the risk of heart disease and promote satiety.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil:

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 28g
• No significant amounts of other nutrients

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats that are essential for brain function and hormone production.
• Contains vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and supports skin health.
• May help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.

1 onion, finely chopped:

• Calories: 44
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• High in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
• Contains sulfur compounds that may help lower blood sugar levels and improve heart health.
• Provides vitamin C and fiber, contributing to immune function and digestive health.

2 cloves garlic, minced:

• Calories: 8
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Known for its potent medicinal properties, including antibacterial and antiviral effects.
• Contains sulfur compounds like allicin, which may help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

1 teaspoon ground cumin:

• Calories: 8
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress.
• May aid digestion and improve gastrointestinal health.
• Provides iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the body.

1 teaspoon ground coriander:

• Calories: 5
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, including quercetin, that may help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
• Contains antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections.
• May aid digestion and relieve digestive discomfort.

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric:

• Calories: 4
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• May help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
• Could potentially improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper:

• Calories: 2
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
• May have pain-relieving properties when applied topically.
• Could help improve circulation and heart health.

4 cups vegetable broth:

• Calories: 40
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy alternative to meat-based broths.
• Provides hydration and essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
• Can be a good source of electrolytes, helping maintain fluid balance in the body.

1 sweet potato, peeled and diced:

• Calories: 112
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health.
• Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and fiber for digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

1 carrot, peeled and diced:

• Calories: 25
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• Excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and essential for vision health.
• Contains fiber and antioxidants that may promote heart health and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Provides vitamins C and K, contributing to immune function and bone health.

1 bell pepper, diced:

• Calories: 24
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
• Contains vitamin A, which is important for vision health and skin health.
• Provides fiber and other antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

1 tomato, diced:

• Calories: 22
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health.
• Contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and folate, contributing to overall health.
• Provides hydration and dietary fiber, supporting digestion and hydration.

Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish:

• Negligible caloric content

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
• Provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.
• May have antimicrobial properties that help fight infections and promote gut health.

Lime wedges for serving:

• Negligible caloric content

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands and variations in ingredient sizes.