Sopa de Maní (Bolivian Peanut Soup with Beef)
Why this recipe works
- Deep savoury base: Browning the beef first builds flavour in the pot before the onion, carrot, cumin and stock are added.
- Naturally creamy: Soaked peanuts blend into a smooth base that thickens the broth and gives the soup its signature body.
- Hearty and balanced: Tender beef, potatoes and peas make the soup substantial, while lime and coriander keep the finish fresh.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Blend the peanuts very thoroughly: A silky peanut mixture is essential; any remaining grit will be noticeable once stirred into the soup.
- Control the thickness: The soup will naturally thicken as the peanut base simmers. Add a little water during reheating if it becomes too dense.
Common mistakes
- Do not let the peanut base catch: After adding the blended peanuts, keep the soup at a gentle simmer and stir regularly, especially across the bottom of the pot.
- Give the beef enough time: The beef should be fully tender before serving; if it still feels firm, continue simmering gently until it softens.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for making ahead: The soup keeps well in the fridge and the savoury, nutty flavour settles nicely after resting.
- Reheat gently: Warm over low heat, stirring often and loosening with a splash of water if the peanut base has thickened.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze cooled portions in sealed containers, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating until piping hot.
Authenticity notes
- Peanut-based broth: The defining feature of sopa de maní is the blended peanut base, which gives the soup its nutty flavour and creamy consistency.
- Hearty serving style: This version follows a home-style approach, with beef, potatoes and vegetables simmered together into a filling main-course soup.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the peanuts in a bowl and cover with the water. Leave to soak for 20 minutes while you prep the vegetables.
- Meanwhile, peel and dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, and peel and cut the potatoes into bite-size chunks. Finely chop the garlic and roughly chop the coriander. Cut the lime into wedges for serving.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning, until well browned. Stir in the onion and carrots and cook for 5 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the garlic and ground cumin and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef stock and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until the beef is starting to turn tender.
- Blend the soaked peanuts with their soaking water until very smooth, using an immersion blender in the bowl or a blender. Stir the peanut mixture into the pot and return to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup looks slightly thickened.
- Add the potatoes, fine sea salt and black pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fully tender. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 3 minutes until hot through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh coriander. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over at the table.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer after adding the blended peanuts, and stir regularly so it does not catch on the bottom.
- For the smoothest base, blend the soaked peanuts until completely silky before adding to the pot; any graininess will be noticeable in the finished soup.
Substitutions
- Replace Beef stew meat with Beef chuck roast cut into chunks for a similar slow-simmered tenderness.
- Replace Frozen peas with Frozen corn for a sweeter finish and a similar hearty texture.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often, adding a splash of water if it has thickened; heat until piping hot. Freeze for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 1h 35min (30min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Latin American
-
Allergens:
Peanuts
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