...

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

A warm mug of creamy sweet potato soup, garnished with spices, resting on a dark countertop.

Curl up with a bowl of this incredibly cozy and comforting sweet potato soup! This recipe brings together sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavors in a velvety smooth texture that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll learn how to create a rich, satisfying soup that’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you are new to cooking. Get ready to enjoy a hearty meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Soup

You’ll quickly fall in love with this delightful sweet potato soup for many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic weeknight meal option for busy parents and beginners alike. The rich, comforting flavor profile is both satisfying and wholesome, boasting a blend of natural sweetness and aromatic spices.

Incorporating vegetable-rich soups into your diet can offer numerous health advantages.

This nutritious soup is packed with healthy ingredients that nourish your body. It’s also incredibly versatile, fitting perfectly into any season or meal plan. Plus, it’s a brilliant choice for meal prep, ready to enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

Making this incredible sweet potato soup starts with a few simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand. Gather these fresh items to build a fantastic flavor base for your next favorite meal.

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder, plus a bit more for serving
  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces
  • 1½ pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 small), peeled and chopped into 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces
  • 8 cups chicken broth, best quality such as Swanson
  • 1¾ teaspoons salt
  • 1 tart yet sweet apple, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this sweet potato soup to fit various dietary needs and preferences. For a vegan or vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for high-quality vegetable broth. To enhance the creamy texture without dairy, stir in a splash of full-fat coconut milk at the end. Feel free to experiment with spices like fresh ginger or a pinch of cinnamon for a different twist. Maple syrup works wonderfully as a substitute for honey if you prefer.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools to make this delicious sweet potato soup. Here’s what will come in handy:

  • A large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for cooking.
  • An immersion blender (or a stand blender) for pureeing.
  • A vegetable peeler and a sturdy cutting board.
  • Standard measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Instructions

Creating this comforting sweet potato soup is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. Follow these steps for a delicious result.

  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become soft and translucent, which takes about 10 minutes. Be careful not to let them brown.
  2. Stir in the curry powder and cook for just one minute more, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
  3. Add the chopped carrots, sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and salt to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the vegetables are very tender. This usually takes about 25 minutes.
  5. Stir in the chopped apple and honey. The apple adds a lovely tart-sweet note.
  6. Using a stick blender, carefully puree the sweet potato soup directly in the pot until it is completely smooth and creamy. If you’re using a regular blender, cool the soup slightly first. Then, puree in batches, remembering to leave the hole in the lid open and cover it with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape safely.
  7. Taste the soup and season it further as needed with more salt, black pepper, or a bit more honey to balance the flavors.
  8. Ladle the warm sweet potato soup into bowls and serve immediately.
  9. (Optional) For an extra touch, sprinkle a tiny bit more curry powder on top of each serving. As the soup cools, it will thicken. Feel free to add a splash of water or broth to thin it to your desired consistency when reheating.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

  • Perfect Puree: For the silkiest sweet potato soup, blend until completely smooth. Avoid over-blending for too long, as this can sometimes change the texture slightly.
  • Flavor Depth: Do not rush the onion sautéing step. Cooking them slowly until translucent builds a crucial flavor base for your sweet potato soup.
  • Adjusting Thickness: If your soup is too thick, simply whisk in a bit more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
  • Sweetness Balance: Always taste and adjust. The sweetness from the honey can be balanced by a pinch more salt or brightened with a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Preventing Boilovers: When simmering, keep the lid slightly ajar. This allows steam to escape, preventing the soup from boiling over and making a mess.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile sweet potato soup is a fantastic meal on its own, but it also shines with a few simple additions or modifications.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your bowls of sweet potato soup with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Toasted pumpkin seeds, homemade croutons, or a swirl of coconut cream also make lovely toppings. Pair this hearty soup with some crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sweet potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm it up in the microwave until heated through.

Variations

  • Vegan/Dairy-Free: As mentioned, use vegetable broth and coconut milk for a rich, plant-based version.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño while sautéing the onions for a little heat.
  • Smoky Flavor: A dash of smoked paprika will impart a wonderfully deep and earthy flavor.
  • Extra Protein: Stir in cooked red lentils or shredded cooked chicken during the last few minutes of simmering to make the sweet potato soup even more substantial.

Nutrition

This sweet potato soup offers a wonderful blend of nutrients, making it a healthy choice for your family. Each serving provides a good source of fiber, supporting digestive health. It’s also rich in essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin A from the sweet potatoes and carrots, which is vital for vision and immune function.

According to WebMD, a single sweet potato can provide over 100% of your daily Vitamin A needs.

You’ll also benefit from Vitamin C present in the sweet potatoes and apples.

Per Serving (estimated)
Calories: 250-280
Fat: 10-12g
Carbs: 35-40g
Protein: 5-7g
Fiber: 6-8g
Vitamin A: Excellent
Vitamin C: Good

FAQ

  • Can I make this soup vegan? Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based sweet potato soup.
  • How long does sweet potato soup last? This soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
  • Can I use different spices? Of course! Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of allspice can all complement the sweet potato flavors beautifully.
  • Why is my soup too thick/thin? Adjust consistency by adding more broth or water to thin it, or by simmering it uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken.
  • Can I prepare ingredients ahead? Yes, you can chop the onions, carrots, and sweet potatoes a day in advance and store them in the fridge. This saves time on cooking day.

Conclusion

This creamy sweet potato soup is truly a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and delicious flavors to your table with minimal effort. Its smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and gentle spice make it a favorite for all ages. With our easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips, you’re ready to create a wholesome meal that tastes like it took hours. Don’t wait; dive into the joy of making this fantastic sweet potato soup today, share it with loved ones, and savor every spoonful!

A warm mug of creamy sweet potato soup, garnished with spices, resting on a dark countertop.

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

This cozy and velvety sweet potato soup blends sweet, savory, and gently spiced flavors into one comforting bowl. It’s nourishing, simple to make, and perfect for meal prep or chilly nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Lunch, Soup
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegetarian
Calories: 270

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp curry powder, plus more for serving
  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan)
  • 1.75 tsp salt
  • 1 tart apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled and chopped
  • 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • immersion blender or stand blender
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 10 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring frequently.
  2. Stir in curry powder and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add carrots, sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes or until vegetables are very tender.
  5. Stir in chopped apple and honey. Cook for a few minutes to soften the apple.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot until completely smooth. If using a stand blender, let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches, venting steam.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, or extra honey if needed.
  8. Ladle into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with a pinch of curry powder or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version. Stir in a splash of coconut milk at the end for extra creaminess. Add cayenne or ginger if you like a kick.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating