Jimmy Carter’s Peanut Soup

I recently read the most fascinating article about the life of President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter. Unlike many former presidents, the Carter’s weren’t interested in a life of fame and fortune when their White House days came to an end. They wanted a simple life, so they returned to their roots in Plains, Georgia. It was in Plains where both he and his wife grew up, raised a family and farmed peanuts. This recipe for Peanut Soup is the epitome of their simple life. It’s surprisingly tasty and incredibly easy to make, consisting primarily of pantry ingredients.

First Lady Rosalynn Carter was known for serving local flavor at the White House. She wanted to give her guests a taste of Southern cooking. And this peanut soup was one item on the menu that packed the taste of the South, particularly simple life in Plains, Georgia. 

Ingredients

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 1/4 cups milk

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup

1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts

 

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Directions

Saute onion in butter until soft but not brown in large saucepan. Stir in peanut butter and cook slowly, stirring several times, 1 to 2 minutes.

Stir in milk and soup. Heat slowly just until hot (DO NOT BOIL). Stir in peanuts.

Ladle into a tureen or soup cups. Garnish with peanuts, parsley, and paprika. Makes 8 servings.