African Potato and Peanut Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
4 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup peanut butter
chopped fresh cilantro
1 small chicken or parts (optional)

Directions

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Add chicken pieces. Mix in the garlic and spices. Stir in the tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrot, and continue to cook and stir about 5 minutes.
Pour water into the saucepan, and season the mixture with salt. Add peanut butter and simmer 30 minutes to a few hours.