Binyebwa (Ugandan Groundnut Soup)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Raw groundnuts (peanuts), ground — 300 g (2 cups)
- Onion, finely chopped — 1
- Tomatoes, chopped — 2
- Garlic cloves, crushed — 2
- Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp
- Water — 750 ml (3 cups)
- Fine salt — 1 tsp
- Fresh coriander, chopped, to garnish
Method
- Heat the oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion and garlic for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for a further 5 minutes, until they break down into a sauce.
- Whisk the ground groundnuts with a little of the water to form a smooth paste, then stir this into the pan.
- Gradually add the remaining water, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth.
- Simmer gently, stirring often, for 20 minutes, until the soup thickens to a rich, creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Introduction: Binyebwa, a warming soup made from ground raw peanuts, is a staple comfort food across Uganda, often served alongside posho, rice or steamed matoke.
Cultural Background: Binyebwa, a warming soup made from ground raw peanuts, is a staple comfort food across Uganda, often served alongside posho, rice or steamed matoke. Groundnuts are widely grown across the country and form the backbone of many everyday sauces and soups.
Tips: Whisking the groundnut paste with water before adding it to the pan helps prevent lumps. Stir frequently while simmering, as groundnut sauce can catch on the base of the pan.
Variations: Add cooked shredded chicken or smoked fish for a heartier main-course version. Add a handful of chopped spinach or dodo greens towards the end of cooking. Naturally vegetarian as written. Naturally vegan as written; contains no animal products.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, for 8 minutes, adding a splash of water if too thick.
FAQs:
Q: Can roasted peanut butter be used instead of raw ground groundnuts?
A: Yes, though the flavour will be slightly different and richer; use a natural, unsweetened peanut butter and thin with extra water.
Q: Is binyebwa the same as groundnut sauce served with matoke?
A: It is very closely related; binyebwa is generally served as a standalone soup, while a thicker version is used as a sauce for matoke.
- Raw groundnuts (peanuts), ground — 300 g (2 cups)
- Onion, finely chopped — 1
- Tomatoes, chopped — 2
- Garlic cloves, crushed — 2
- Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp
- Water — 750 ml (3 cups)
- Fine salt — 1 tsp
- Fresh coriander, chopped, to garnish
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