African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

African Groundnut Powder Spice Recipe

Groundnut Recipe

Groundnuts are used as food and for cooking oil. The seeds in Africa are popularly used for thickening soups and stews and as a seasoning. Easy African Groundnut Powder spice is made with a few uncomplicated ingredients. 

When purchasing African groundnut powder, ensure that it is made from high-quality groundnuts without any additives or preservatives. You can find it in African specialty stores or online marketplaces that cater to international ingredients.

Photo of groundnuts and peanuts

African Groundnut Powder Spice Recipe

Arachis hypogaea is the scientific name for groundnuts

African groundnut powder is a versatile ingredient commonly used in African cuisine. It is made by grinding roasted or raw groundnuts into a fine powder consistency. 

This powder has a rich nutty flavor and is often used to thicken sauces, soups, and stews. African groundnut powder is a staple in many West African dishes, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. 

It is a key ingredient in popular dishes such as groundnut soup, maafe (a West African peanut stew), and nkate nkwan (a Ghanaian peanut soup). Besides its culinary uses, groundnut powder is also valued for its nutritional benefits. 

Groundnuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Groundnut powder can be a convenient and flavorful way to incorporate these nutrients into various dishes.

African Groundnut Powder Spice

Stew topped with choppy groundnuts
African Recipes by

Groundnut powder African spice is made with a few uncomplicated ingredients.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon paprika 
1 dried bay leaf 
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) 

Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground. If you over grind you will end up with groundnut paste instead of powder (this is ok since you can use the paste in your recipe as well as the powder). Use the powder to thicken soups, gravies and stews or use as a garish for noodles and rice.

Pic of groundnuts and peanuts home grown
Love Groundnuts Poem.

In the fertile earth, a treasure lies, A humble legume, a delightful surprise. Groundnuts they're called, beneath the soil they grow, With flavors and nutrients, they beautifully bestow. From tiny seeds, their journey starts, Roots reaching deep, anchoring their parts. Leaves unfurl, reaching for the sky, A testament to nature's art, oh, how they thrive! In golden shells, their kernels hide, Nestled snugly, waiting to be tried. Roasted or boiled, a savory delight, Their taste, a symphony, a pure delight. Crunchy and creamy, a texture divine, Groundnuts, a treat that's truly sublime. In stews and soups, they lend their grace, Thickening and flavoring, enriching every space. A source of protein, they nourish the soul, Vitamins and minerals, making us whole. In snacks and desserts, they find their place, A versatile ingredient, a culinary embrace. So let us celebrate this gift from the land, Groundnuts, a marvel, crafted by nature's hand. In every bite, a story unfolds, Of sustenance, joy, and flavors untold.

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