Soup > African > Mango-Based > Spinach

African Mango and Spinach Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup diced African mango
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.

2. Add cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until spices are fragrant.

3. Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and quinoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until quinoa is cooked.

4. Add diced African mango and spinach leaves. Cook for 5-10 minutes until spinach is wilted.

5. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender and blend until smooth.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve hot with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing, boiling, and simmering.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary fiber: 10g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
- You can use canned or frozen mango instead of fresh mango.
- You can use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Add coconut milk for a creamier soup.
- Add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a heartier soup.

Tips and Tricks:
- Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Use an immersion blender for easier blending and less mess.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.

Storage Instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve soup in individual bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Pairings:
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
- Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
- Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook quinoa and black beans thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food History:
African mangoes are native to West and Central Africa and have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. They are high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Flavor Profiles:
This soup has a spicy and smoky flavor from the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. The African mango adds a sweet and tangy flavor, while the spinach adds a fresh and earthy flavor.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this soup as a main dish for a vegan or vegetarian meal. It's also a great option for a healthy and flavorful lunch or dinner.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Creamy, Spicy, Earthy, earthy, slightly sweet, tangy