Ivoirian Peanut Soup

Ingredients

 * 2 	 cups chopped   onions
 * 1 	tablespoon peanut oil or vegetable oil
 * 1/2 	teaspoon cayenne
 * 1 	teaspoon grated peeled fresh gingerroot
 * 1 	cup chopped carrots
 * 2 	cups chopped sweet potatoes (up to 1 cup white potatoes can be substituted)
 * 4 	cups vegetable stock or water
 * 2 	cups tomato juice
 * 1 	cup smooth peanut butter
 * 1 	tablespoon sugar (optional)
 * 1 	cup chopped scallions or chives

Directions

 * 1) Saute the onions in oil until just translucent.
 * 2) Stir in the cayenne and ginger.
 * 3) Add the carrots and saute a couple more minutes.
 * 4) Mix in the potatoes and stock.
 * 5) Bring the soup to a boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
 * 6) In a blender or food processor, puree the vegetables with the cooking liquid and the tomato juice.
 * 7) Return the puree to the soup pot. Stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
 * 8) Taste the soup. Its sweetness will depend on the sweetness of the carrots and sweet potatoes. If it is not naturally sweet, add just a little sugar to enhance the other flavors.
 * 9) Reheat the soup gently, using a heat diffuser if needed to prevent scorching.
 * 10) Add more water, stock, or tomato juice for a thinner soup.
 * 11) Serve topped with plenty of chopped scallions or chives.