Nkatenkwan — groundnut soup — turns something as simple as peanuts into one of Ghana's most comforting, hearty dishes. Thick, nutty, and gently spiced, it's a favorite across Ghana and much of West Africa.
What Is Nkatenkwan?
Nkatenkwan is a thick soup built around a groundnut (peanut) paste base, usually cooked with meat, chicken, or fish, tomatoes, onions, and pepper, simmered until the peanuts thicken the soup into a rich, velvety consistency.
How Groundnut Soup Is Made
The base is made by blending roasted peanuts into a smooth paste, which is then simmered into a tomato-and-pepper broth along with meat or fish until it thickens naturally. Roasted peanuts make a convenient starting point for the paste, and a spoonful of bouillon spices rounds out the seasoning.
Nkatenkwan vs. Peanut Snacks
Groundnut soup and snacking on roasted peanuts are two very different uses for the same ingredient — one turns peanuts into a savory, hearty soup base, the other keeps them whole and crunchy. See our roasted peanuts guide for the snacking side of things.
What to Eat Groundnut Soup With
Nkatenkwan is traditionally served with rice balls (omo tuo), Tuo Zaafi, fufu, or banku.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nkatenkwan (groundnut soup) made of?
Nkatenkwan is made from a groundnut (peanut) paste base, simmered with meat, chicken, or fish, tomatoes, onions, and pepper until thick and rich.
Is groundnut soup the same as peanut butter soup?
Yes — groundnut soup and peanut butter soup refer to the same dish, using ground/blended peanuts as the thickening base, just with different regional names.
What is groundnut soup served with?
Groundnut soup is traditionally served with rice balls (omo tuo), Tuo Zaafi, fufu, or banku.
