Traditional Zimbabwean Chicken and Veggie Soup

This hearty soup brings together tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a flavorful, comforting broth that’s perfect for any day. It’s a simple, nourishing dish that warms both the body and soul.

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TIME2 hr

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Traditional Zimbabwean Chicken and Veggie Soup

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, diced 4 cups vegetable stock, divided ½ cup peanut butter 2 cups canned diced tomatoes, with juices ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste 1 cup finely chopped cabbage 1 cup chopped sweet potato 1 cup peeled and chopped carrot 1 cup peeled and chopped turnip 1 cup chopped okra 1 cup chopped cooked chicken, or to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring now and then, until it becomes soft and translucent—this should take about 5 minutes. Next, whisk together half a cup of vegetable stock and the peanut butter right in the pot with the onions until everything is smooth and combined. Pour in the rest of the vegetable stock, the diced tomatoes with their juice, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

02

Step 2

Once that’s bubbling nicely, add the cabbage, sweet potato, carrot, and turnip to the pot. Keep it simmering, stirring every now and then, until these veggies are tender—around another 30 minutes. Finally, toss in the okra and chicken, and continue to simmer until the okra softens and the chicken is cooked through, which should take about 30 more minutes. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use bone-in chicken for a richer broth and more depth of flavor.
- Simmer the soup slowly to allow the vegetables to soften without losing their texture.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or coriander at the end to brighten the dish.

Why you’ll love it

This soup is a comforting blend of tender chicken and fresh vegetables, offering a hearty meal full of natural flavors. It’s simple to make and perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The use of traditional spices gives it a unique taste that feels both familiar and special.

Serving ideas

Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or traditional sadza for a filling meal. A sprinkle of chili flakes can add extra heat if you like it spicy. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad for a balanced plate.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the vegetables. This soup also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.