LunchMain DishesSoups & Salads

Colonial Peanut Soup

A creamy, savory peanut soup made with chicken broth, peanut butter, and simple aromatics. This traditional Colonial-inspired soup is finished with lemon juice and topped with chopped roasted peanuts for extra texture.
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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp tbsp onion, grated
  • 1 celery branch, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Soup ladle

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the grated onion and thinly sliced celery, then sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir until well blended, creating a smooth roux. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Gradually stir in the chicken broth, whisking continuously until smooth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the soup through a fine mesh strainer into a clean saucepan or bowl, discarding the solids.
  5. Return the strained broth to low heat. Stir in the creamy peanut butter, optional salt, and lemon juice until the peanut butter is completely dissolved and the soup is smooth and well blended.
  6. Ladle the hot soup into serving cups or bowls. Garnish each serving with about 1 teaspoon of chopped roasted peanuts and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Straining the soup creates the smooth texture found in the original recipe.
  • Adjust the salt to taste depending on the saltiness of the chicken broth used.
  • Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a simple meal.
  • Garnish each serving with chopped roasted peanuts just before serving for added crunch.

A Traditional Colonial Peanut Soup

Colonial Peanut Soup is a classic recipe that showcases the rich, creamy flavor of peanuts in a savory soup. Made with a simple base of butter, onion, celery, chicken broth, and creamy peanut butter, it delivers a smooth texture balanced with a touch of fresh lemon juice. Finished with chopped roasted peanuts, each bowl offers a satisfying combination of creamy and crunchy textures.
This historic-style soup is easy enough for weeknight meals yet elegant enough to serve as a starter for holiday dinners, luncheons, or special occasions.

Simple Ingredients, Rich Flavor

Despite its short ingredient list, this soup develops deep flavor through gently sautéed vegetables and a light roux before the peanut butter is stirred into the warm broth. Straining the soup creates the smooth consistency that makes Colonial Peanut Soup distinctive while allowing the peanut flavor to remain the centerpiece.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the richness of the soup, while chopped roasted peanuts provide a pleasant crunch with every serving.

A Classic Peanut Recipe

Peanuts have been an important ingredient in Southern cooking for generations, finding their way into everything from soups and stews to desserts and baked goods. Recipes like Colonial Peanut Soup demonstrate how versatile peanuts can be in savory dishes while highlighting their naturally rich flavor.
Explore more traditional favorites in our Sandwiches, Soups & Breads collection, learn about The Peanut's Journey, or discover Where Peanuts Grow.

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