Sweet Potato Soup

The Sweet Potato Soup

Introduction

Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something easy and nourishing. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, paired with aromatic herbs and spices for added flavor. Whether you are a new cook or an experienced chef, this soup is simple to make and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Sweet Potato Soup. First, it’s healthy and packed with vitamins, especially Vitamin A. Second, it is quick to prepare, taking less than an hour from start to finish. This soup is also versatile; you can enjoy it as a light meal or serve it as a starter for a bigger dinner. The flavors are rich, but it is still light enough for any occasion. Plus, it is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients you likely already have at home.

How to Make Sweet Potato Soup

Making Sweet Potato Soup is easy and requires just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or more oil)
2 onions, diced
2 leeks, (white and pale green part only, quartered, cut into 1cm / ½" slices)
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 kg / 2 lb sweet potato, peeled, quartered lengthwise, cut into 2cm / 0.8" chunks
1 tbsp cumin powder
1.25 litre / 1.25 quarts chicken or vegetable stock, low sodium
1.5 tsp cooking / kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup cream (any type) or an extra knob of butter
Something to drizzle/dollop (extra virgin olive oil, cream, yogurt, sour cream)
Something crunchy – flatbread strips, croutons, pistachios, pepitas, crispy fried shallots

Directions:

Sauté aromatics: Heat the oil and melt the butter in a large heavy-based pot over medium heat. Cook the onion, leek, and garlic for 5 minutes until softened.
Add the sweet potato and cumin: Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring regularly.
Simmer 20 minutes: Add the stock, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 20 minutes at a gentle simmer until the sweet potato is very tender (no lid).
Blitz: Remove the pot from the stove. Blitz with a hand-held stick until smooth. Stir in cream.
Garnish: Ladle into bowls. Drizzle with yogurt, cream, or olive oil, and sprinkle with something crunchy, like pistachios or crispy flatbread strips.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Soup

Sweet Potato Soup is best served warm. You can pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It’s great as a starter or even as a light lunch. Don’t forget the garnish! A drizzle of cream or yogurt adds a beautiful finish.

How to Store Sweet Potato Soup

If you have leftovers, you can store Sweet Potato Soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.

Tips to Make Sweet Potato Soup

For extra flavor, you can add spices like ginger or nutmeg.
If you like it spicy, add chili flakes when sautéing the aromatics.
Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.

Variation

You can make this soup vegan-friendly by using only vegetable stock and coconut cream instead of dairy. Adding apples can also give it a lovely sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, but sweet potatoes have a unique flavor that enhances the soup.

2. Is it okay to use a blender instead of a stick blender?
Yes, you can use a countertop blender. Just be careful when blending hot liquids, and blend in small batches.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or even spinach can add more nutrients and flavor to the soup.

Sweet Potato Soup is a delightful dish that’s nutritious, easy to make, and suitable for various diets. Enjoy this simple and tasty soup during your next meal!