Indulge in the rich and velvety flavors of Virginia State Peanut Soup, a classic Southern dish that celebrates the region's signature crop. This traditional recipe combines the earthy nuttiness of unsalted roasted peanuts with the creamy goodness of heavy cream and the savory depth of sautéed onions and chicken stock. Thickened with a light roux and puréed to perfection, this comforting soup is both elegant and satisfying. Top it off with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a touch of fresh parsley for a delightful crunch and a pop of color. Ready in just 40 minutes, this timeless recipe is perfect as a cozy appetizer or a light main course, offering a taste of Virginia’s culinary heritage in every spoonful.
Peel and finely dice the yellow onion.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and stir well to create a roux. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour begins to lightly brown.
Slowly pour in the chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the unsalted roasted peanuts to the pot. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches and purée until smooth.
Return the soup to the saucepan (if blended externally) and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
Simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped peanuts and parsley, if desired, before serving.
Calories |
2486 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 203.2 g | 261% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.7 g | 388% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 424 mg | 141% | |
| Sodium | 3168 mg | 138% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.0 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.3 g | ||
| Protein | 94.0 g | 188% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 271 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 13.0 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 1328 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.