Sweet Potato Soup

Many people are accustomed to eating sweet potatoes in roasted form and desserts. But have you heard of sweet potato soup? There are many recipes for Sweet potato soup, which has multiple variations. The inspiration for this soup comes from the root vegetable itself.

This recipe is completely different from anything you’ve tasted before, so forget everything you thought you knew about Sweet potato soup. It has a unique flavour profile that will soon become a favourite in your home.

Sweet potatoes grow in the soil and have an earthy taste. Combining the sweet potato’s natural flavour with the right herbs and spices is crucial for enhancing the humble sweet potato soup.

Why you will love this Sweet Potato Soup?

Sweet potatoes are considered the superheroes of the root vegetable world. They are a dazzling shade of orange and loaded with vitamins and fiber. Their natural sweetness can be used in many different ways. If you’re craving sugar, use this soup to beat your cravings and fight inflammation.

In Countries like Jamaica, sweet potato soups are a regular dish on their hearty soups list. They like to incorporate coconut milk, scotch bonnet peppers, and tropical flavours that are found locally. In countries like Nigeria and Ghana, sweet potatoes are commonly used as ingredients in soups and stews. In East and South Asia, potato soup is prepared with coconut milk, lemongrass, and ginger. The Americans incorporate cooking cream into the soup, which makes the soup velvety and smooth.

The antioxidants found in sweet potatoes reduce inflammation in the body and fight oxidative stress. The high amount of fibre helps digestion and promotes healthy blood sugar levels.

Using sweet potatoes in the soup is a great way to incorporate nutrition into the diet. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins, such as Vitamin A (Beta-carotene), Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin E, and they contain minerals, such as Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, Manganese, and Phosphorus.

What do you need to make Sweet Potato Soup?

Sweet potatoes, Cumin, cinnamon, basil, parsley, paprika powder, ginger powder, nutmeg, onion powder and salt, Onion and garlic, Dijon mustard, Hoisin sauce, cooking cream, chicken stock cube with water as chicken broth, and extra virgin olive oil.

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet with an earthy flavor and pair beautifully with the savory spices in this recipe. Choose sweet potatoes that are orange in color; they have a creamier texture than yellow sweet potatoes. The sweet potato should be firm and diced evenly to ensure it cooks properly. Whether you roast the sweet potatoes, mash them up, or simmer them in a stew, they provide a delicious base for sauces and soups.

Choosing the spices for this recipe was pretty straightforward. Cumin and cinnamon create a balance of earthiness. Paprika provides a smoky undertone, and nutmeg and onion powder round out the seasoning. Dijon mustard adds sharpness, while hoisin sauce creates a sweet and savoury taste. The chicken broth takes the soup to the next level.

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Slice the onion, mince the garlic cloves, peel the sweet potatoes, and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Gather the condiments, like Dijon mustard, Hoisin sauce, cooking cream, chicken stock cube with water as chicken broth, and extra virgin olive oil, and the spices: cumin, cinnamon powder, dried basil, dried parsley, paprika powder, ginger powder, ground nutmeg, and onion powder.

Cook the onion, garlic, and spices: Preheat a pot on medium-low heat. Add olive oil and the sliced onions. Sauté the onion for 2 minutes. Thereafter, add the dry ingredients and minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute while continuously stirring. When the aromatics are cooked, set them aside. 

We skipped out on the salt; some of the spices already contain salt. It is always best to taste the food as you are cooking and add the salt according to taste.

Boil the sweet potatoes: Boil the sweet potatoes in a pot for twenty minutes. They will be soft when you poke them with a fork or knife. 

Traditionally, sweet potatoes are roasted in the oven to make sweet potato soup. However, the baking method takes much longer, and taking extra steps could be cumbersome for people who want to create a quick recipe.

Remember that if the sweet potatoes are larger than 1-inch cubes, they may take longer to cook thoroughly; if the cubes are smaller than 1 inch, they may take less time to cook.

Blend the aromatics and the sweet potatoes: When the sweet potatoes have finished boiling, drain the water and add the cooked aromatics into the pot. Add one liter of water and the chicken stock cube. Stir around until the chicken stock cube has dissolved into the soup.

Now, use the immersion blender to blend all the ingredients. You can combine them in the pot or transfer them to a glass container. This step protects your pot from getting scratched.

Add cooking cream: Once the ingredients are blended, add the cream to the pot and cook on medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Stir continuously to infuse the cream and the soup together completely. Add salt to taste. Serve immediately.

What can you serve with the Sweet potato soup?

Sweet potato soup is a lovely and creamy soup infused with spices, making it incredibly versatile. To add a crunchy texture to the velvety soup, you can enjoy this delicious soup with crusty bread, such as baguette or garlic bread. Having this hearty soup with a grilled cheese sandwich will enhance the heartiness of the soup.

Another way to indulge in this comforting dish is with a green salad with tangy vinaigrette or cabbage slaw. Crunchy bites of fresh vegetables with a pungent taste will enhance the soup’s flavour.

One of the best ways to enjoy a creamy soup is to add toppings like croutons. Crispy and flavourful croutons will make every bite enjoyable. Choosing nuts or seeds like pumpkin seeds or walnuts as your topping will also increase the soup’s nuttiness. Sweet potato soup is enjoyed by all nations worldwide as it is a hearty, comforting, and nutritious food that is also versatile, super easy, and simple to make. 

Expert tips

Cube the sweet potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking while boiling them, as different sizes of the sweet potatoes influence the cooking time. Roasting will increase the soup’s sweetness; however, boiling the sweet potatoes maintains the sweetness while reducing the cooking time. This soup is intended for savoury flavour, and balancing the sweetness can be achieved by adding aromatics, like onion, garlic, or ginger, or by incorporating acidity into the dish by adding apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

Adding broth, chicken, beef, or vegetable stock enhances the flavour of the sweet potato soup. Coconut milk can substitute for cooking cream, making the soup lighter and sweeter. 

How do you Store Sweet Potato Soup?

Store in the fridge for two to four days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Sweet potato soup can also be frozen for over three months. Defrost it on the countertop and reheat it on the stove or microwave. 

Substitutes 

Ingredient	Substitutes
Dijon Mustard	Yellow mustard, mustard powder, or horseradish.
Hoisin Sauce	Oyster sauce mixed with sugar.
Apple Cider Vinegar	White vinegar combined with fresh apples or apple juice.
Heavy Cream	Half and half, full cream milk, or coconut milk.