Description
Spicy Sweet Potato Soup is a smooth, velvety American-style soup made with diced yams seasoned with chipotle powder, coriander, and fresh aromatics. This warming soup offers a perfect balance of smoky spice and natural sweetness, ideal as a comforting side dish or a light meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 4½ cups diced yams or orange sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ lb.)
Spices and Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Garnishes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Red pepper flakes (optional topping)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the finely chopped garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes along with the chipotle powder, coriander, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine and scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the broth has reduced by a quarter and the potatoes are tender.
- Puree the Soup: Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and thick, resembling the consistency of butternut squash soup. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with optional red pepper flakes and chopped parsley or cilantro for added heat and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The soup can be made spicier by increasing the chipotle powder or adding more red pepper flakes.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or cream after pureeing.
- Use yams or orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- An immersion blender ensures a smooth texture but a regular blender may be used in batches with caution to avoid hot splashes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
