Spiced Peanut Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Melt butter over medium heat in a 3 or 4 quart saucepan.
2. 2
   Add bacon and saute for another couple of minutes or until the bacon has rendered some of its fat.
3. 3
   Add the onion, cover and cook for about 10 minutes or until onion is translucent.
4. 4
   Check the onion every now and then to make sure it is not burning.
5. 5
   While the onion is cooking, dice the sweet potato.
6. 6
   When the onion is translucent, remove the cover and stir in the sweet potato, spices and broth.
7. 7
   Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until tender.
8. 8
   Transfer soup to a blender or food processor.
9. 9
   Add the tomato paste and peanut butter and puree until smooth.
10. 10
    Season with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
11. 11
    You can make the soup up to this point 2 to 3 days in advance.
12. 12
    Reheat, stirring on occasion, until soup is heated through and garnish each portion with sour cream and chives.