When the weather starts cooling down, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to make you feel all cozy inside. One of my all-time favorites? Sweet Potato Soup. This isn’t just any soup – it’s a creamy, flavorful, slightly spiced dish that warms you from the inside out. With a smooth, velvety texture and a touch of sweetness, sweet potato soup feels like a big hug in a bowl. Plus, it's packed with all the good stuff, from fiber to antioxidants, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ready to dive in? Grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Sweet potatoes are the star here, and for good reason. They’re naturally sweet, super creamy when blended, and loaded with nutrients like vitamins A and C. Add a few aromatics, a bit of spice, and some creamy coconut milk, and you’ve got yourself a simple but hearty soup that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe is made in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax – or enjoy a second bowl.
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cozy creation:
4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white works well)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium if you can, to control saltiness)
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for extra creaminess or light if you want a lighter option)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lime juice (for a bright finish)
Fresh herbs (like cilantro or chives) for garnish
Optional: a pinch of chili flakes for a hint of heat
With these ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from soup perfection!
Step 1: Get the Ingredients Ready
Start by peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes, onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger – this will give the soup that wonderful depth of flavor. Make sure you have all your ingredients within reach, so once you get cooking, it’s smooth sailing!
Step 2: Heat Up the Pot
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in your chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onions to turn translucent and the carrots and celery to start softening. Then add your garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute or two until they’re fragrant. This step is all about building a flavorful base for the soup!
Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show – sweet potatoes! Throw in the cubed sweet potatoes along with cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the sweet potatoes are coated in the spices. This is what will give the soup its warm, earthy flavor.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth, and turn up the heat until it starts to boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sweet potatoes and carrots are fork-tender and easily mashable.
Step 5: Blend It Up
Here comes the fun part! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot until it’s completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a countertop blender works too – just be careful with the hot liquid. Blend in batches if needed and pour it back into the pot once smooth.
Step 6: Add the Coconut Milk and Lime Juice
Stir in the coconut milk and lime juice, and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. This helps the flavors come together and gives the soup that creamy finish.
Step 7: Taste and Season
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Maybe a pinch more salt? Or a little extra lime juice for brightness? Trust your taste buds here.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh herbs like cilantro or chives. A sprinkle of chili flakes adds a lovely touch of heat if you’re into that. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Boost the Flavor: Want a smoky note? Add a dash of smoked paprika when you add the spices. If you’re looking for more crunch, garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a chopped jalapeño with the onions, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Make It Dairy-Free: This soup is already vegan, thanks to the coconut milk, but you can swap it with almond or oat milk if you prefer a different flavor.
Batch and Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Just portion it into individual containers, and you’ll have cozy, homemade soup ready for any day of the week.
And there you have it – a warm, creamy bowl of Sweet Potato Soup that’s as good for your soul as it is for your taste buds. This dish is all about simplicity and comfort, with a little touch of spice to keep things interesting. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, this soup is a real winner.
Fun fact: Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in your body and is amazing for skin, vision, and immune health. So, when you’re digging into this bowl of goodness, know you’re doing something great for yourself!
So, grab a spoon, curl up, and enjoy every last comforting bite.