Fusion-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Recipe Category: Yam/Sweet Potato
Servings: 12
Description
This delightful Fusion-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup, credited to the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission and inspired by the book The Color Code, combines vibrant flavors that warm both body and soul. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this soup can easily be tailored to meet dietary preferences; simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or swap out butter for oil or margarine to create a vegan dish, while omitting sour cream or opting for a vegan alternative.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tablespoons | butter (or oil for vegan) |
| 2 tablespoons | fresh ginger, minced |
| 3 stalks | celery, diced |
| 1 medium | onion, chopped |
| 1 tablespoon | curry powder |
| 1 teaspoon | ground cinnamon |
| 1/4 teaspoon | cayenne pepper |
| 1/8 teaspoon | ground nutmeg |
| 2 1/2 pounds | sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed |
| 6 cups | chicken broth (or vegetable broth) |
| 1/2 teaspoon | dried thyme |
| 1 bay leaf | |
| 1 teaspoon | salt |
| 1/2 teaspoon | freshly ground black pepper |
| 1/2 cup | milk (or plant-based milk for vegan) |
| 1/2 cup | sour cream (or vegan alternative) |
| 1/2 cup | roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 134.1 |
| Total Fat | 3.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 6.5 mg |
| Sodium | 606.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugars | 5.1 g |
| Protein | 4.6 g |
Instructions
-
Melt the Butter
Begin your culinary journey by placing a large pot over medium heat and allowing the butter to melt until it’s bubbling gently, creating a rich aroma that sets the stage for the flavors to come. -
Sauté Aromatics
Once the butter has melted, introduce the minced fresh ginger, diced celery, and chopped onion into the pot. Sauté these ingredients together for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant, allowing their natural sweetness to emerge. -
Incorporate Spices
To elevate the flavor profile of your soup, sprinkle in the curry powder, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. Stir these spices into the sautéed mixture, letting them cook for about one minute while stirring frequently. This step will infuse the base with an enticing aroma that invites anticipation for the finished dish. -
Add Sweet Potatoes and Broth
Carefully add the cubed sweet potatoes, chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you’re opting for the vegetarian version), dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, which will help soften the sweet potatoes and develop a hearty base. -
Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the soup to simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes. During this time, the sweet potatoes will soften and fully cook through, soaking up the spiced broth. -
Blend the Soup
After the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Using a blender, carefully puree the soup in batches, or utilize an immersion blender directly in the pot, until the mixture is smooth and creamy, transforming the vibrant ingredients into a beautifully blended soup. -
Thin the Soup
To achieve your desired consistency, stir in the milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan version) gradually, mixing well until fully incorporated. The addition of milk enhances the creaminess of the soup while balancing the spices. -
Serve and Garnish
Serve the soup hot, ladling it into bowls and finishing each serving with a generous dollop of sour cream (or vegan alternative) on top. Sprinkle the roasted chopped peanuts over each bowl as a delightful garnish, adding a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
Indulge in this heartwarming Fusion-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup, a perfect blend of comforting ingredients that come together in a vibrant medley of flavors. Ideal for chilly days, it promises to nourish and satisfy with every spoonful, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of cherished recipes on Love With Recipes.
