Bolivian Sopa de Maní

[lomiloml]

I made Bolivian Sopa de Maní (Peanut Soup) recently, and it was amazing! This dish is rich, creamy, and deeply comforting, with tender beef, potatoes, and crispy fries on top. It’s a beloved staple in Bolivia, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why!

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):​

• 500g beef (stew meat or ribs), cut into chunks
• 1 cup raw peanuts, blended with 1 cup water
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 liters beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small handful vermicelli noodles (optional)
• 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup shoestring fries (for garnish)

Instructions:​

1. Sear the Meat: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add beef chunks, sear until browned, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Blend the Peanuts: In a blender, mix raw peanuts with 1 cup of water until smooth. Add this to the pot and stir well.
4. Simmer the Soup: Add the seared beef, broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the beef is tender.
5. Add Potatoes & Peas: Stir in the potatoes and peas, and cook for another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are soft. If using vermicelli noodles, add them in the last 5 minutes.
6. Serve & Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and top with crispy fries for an authentic touch!

Conclusion:​

This Sopa de Maní is so flavorful—creamy from the peanuts, hearty from the beef and potatoes, and that crunch from the fries makes it next level! If you're looking for a unique, comforting soup, this Bolivian classic is a must-try!