Creamy Sweet Potato Soup with a hint of Spice
Welcome to my kitchen where I specialize in hearty, stick-to-your-ribs Southern dishes! Today’s recipe is for Southern Sweet Potato Soup, a warm and satisfying soup that is perfect for chilly nights or lazy afternoons. This creamy sweet potato soup has all the elements of comfort food while also being healthy and full of nutrients.
When I think of Southern cooking, I think of big flavors, lots of spice, and plenty of substance. This recipe embodies all of those qualities and more. The sweetness of the potatoes is balanced perfectly with savory ingredients like garlic and bay leaf, resulting in a complex flavor profile that will keep your taste buds dancing.
I love making this soup when I have a bit of extra time on the weekends or when I am hosting friends and family. Not only does it taste amazing, but it is also easy to make and can feed a crowd. Plus, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to fit your taste preferences.
So go ahead and put on your apron, grab your dutch oven, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness that is Southern Sweet Potato Soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready to experience a bowl of creamy sweet potato soup that will make your taste buds dance? Then look no further than this Southern Sweet Potato Soup recipe. This soup has the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and cozy. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly day or a dish to impress your guests, this easy sweet potato soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What sets this soup apart is its use of roasted sweet potatoes. The roasting process adds a depth of flavor that cannot be achieved by boiling or steaming alone. The addition of other ingredients such as diced celery, red onion, and garlic cloves adds just the right amount of texture and savoriness.
This soup is also versatile – it can be made vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and coconut milk instead of regular milk. You can also add in different vegetables such as carrots, corn kernels, or even lentils for an extra protein boost. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some peanut butter for a unique twist on the classic sweet potato soup recipe.
Not only does this soup taste amazing, but it’s also good for you. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. Plus, this recipe is low in fat and calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
If you’re still not convinced that this Southern Sweet Potato Soup is worth trying out, just take a look at its popularity in Southern living. This dish has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in many southern households. It’s time for you to experience the comfort and deliciousness of this beloved soup – give it a try today!
Ingredient List
Before diving into the preparation of this southern sweet potato soup, let’s take a look at the list of ingredients that you will need. This recipe has a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that creates a rich and creamy taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (around 4 medium-large)
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ear fresh corn kernels (or ½ cup frozen corn kernels), husked and kernels cut from cob
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure you have all the ingredients before you begin cooking because there’s nothing worse than realizing halfway through that you’re missing something essential!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
To make Southern Sweet Potato Soup, you’ll need roasted sweet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube 2 pounds of sweet potatoes into bite-size pieces. Toss them in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until they are evenly coated. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then roast for 20-25 minutes or until fork-tender.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Celery
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, chop up 1 red onion, 2 celery ribs, and 2 garlic cloves. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer
Next, add the roasted sweet potatoes to the pot along with 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Once the soup has finished simmering, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Use a blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Return the soup to the pot and stir in 1/2 cup of milk.
Step 5: Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Finally, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions.
Enjoy your warm, creamy, and satisfying Southern Sweet Potato Soup!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the greatest pleasures of cooking is making a recipe your own. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try with this Southern Sweet Potato Soup recipe:
– Milk: Instead of cow’s milk, you can use almond milk or coconut milk for a vegan or dairy-free option. Keep in mind that using plant-based milk may alter the flavor and texture of the soup.
– Vegetable broth: If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, you can use chicken or beef broth. However, this will make the soup non-vegetarian.
– Tomato paste: This ingredient adds depth and richness to the soup, but if you don’t have any at home, you can substitute it with tomato sauce or even ketchup.
– Corn kernels: You can omit this ingredient if you prefer a smoother consistency, or add other vegetables such as diced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and texture.
– Roasted sweet potatoes: The recipe calls for boiled sweet potatoes, but why not try roasting them for a smoky and caramelized flavor? Simply toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil and roast them on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until tender and browned.
– Peanut Butter: For a savory twist on this Southern Sweet Potato Soup recipe, add 1/4 cup of peanut butter when blending the soup. The nutty flavor and creamy texture will make it extra satisfying.
– Sausage: You can add cooked and crumbled sausage to the soup for a heartier meal. Smoked sausage or Andouille sausage would work especially well with the flavors in this recipe.
These are just some ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and let your imagination run wild!
Serving and Pairing
Southern Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It’s perfect for cold winter evenings, lazy weekends, or anytime you crave a bowl of something warm, hearty and flavorful.
To fully enjoy the creamy texture and the sweet savory taste of the soup, I recommend topping it with crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs such as chives, parsley or cilantro, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
For a complete meal, you can pair the soup with some crusty bread, cornbread muffins, biscuits, or crackers. These carbs will provide the necessary balance to the soup’s richness while adding more flavors and textures to your palate.
If you want to keep it light and healthy, you can serve the soup with a side salad made of mixed greens such as spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce tossed with some vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the salad will cut through the creaminess of the soup and add more nutrients to your meal.
For a more exotic twist to your soup experience, you can experiment with different spices and ingredients from various cuisines. You can add some curry powder and coconut milk to make a delicious Carrot Coconut Milk Soup; lentils and sausage for Lentil Sausage Soup; peanut butter and ginger for Peanut Soup; or even replace sweet potatoes with carrots for Carrot Soup. The possibilities are endless!
No matter how you serve it, Southern Sweet Potato Soup is a crowd-pleaser that will warm up your belly and soul alike!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead and storing options for this creamy sweet potato soup, there are a few tips that can help you save time and ensure the best results.
Firstly, if you are planning to make this soup ahead of time, it’s best to stop just before adding the milk or cream. This will help prevent curdling and separation when reheating the soup. Simply store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days before adding the milk or cream.
Alternatively, you can freeze the soup for up to three months without the milk or cream. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and heat it up on a low to medium heat on the stovetop. Once it’s heated through, add the milk or cream and give it a good stir.
When making this soup in bulk or for meal prep, it’s important to note that potatoes tend to absorb more liquid when stored overnight in soup. To combat this, simply add some additional vegetable broth or milk when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Lastly, if you have leftovers that you want to store after adding the milk or cream, transfer them into an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat while constantly whisking until heated through.
By following these simple tips for make-ahead, storing and reheating options for this southern-style sweet potato soup recipe, you can ensure delicious results each time!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specialized in Southern-style cuisine, I know that even the most foolproof recipes can still benefit from a few valuable and practical tips. When it comes to making a creamy sweet potato soup, here are some tips to help you achieve the best flavor and texture:
1. Roast Your Sweet Potatoes
Roasting sweet potatoes add extra depth and sweetness to your soup. Cut them into small pieces and spread them out evenly on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil. Roast them in the oven for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
2. Use a Dutch Oven
Using a Dutch oven is highly recommended when making soup as it can evenly distribute heat while giving enough surface area to sauté ingredients before simmering. For this recipe, sweating your onions and celery in a hot Dutch oven before reducing heat is the gateway to achieving that comforting Southern-style sweetness the dish is known for.
3. Use vegetable broth Instead of water
To elevate the flavors of your soup, swap out water for vegetable broth when cooking down your roasted potatoes into a purée. Vegetable broth has rich and aromatic flavors that will intensify the savory and sweet notes of your soup.
4. Add Milk at the End
Adding milk or cream too early on in the cooking process can break down and separate its composition when mixed with acidic ingredients like tomatoes — making your soup end up being frustratingly curdled instead of smooth and creamy. Adding milk or cream towards the end while closely monitored will ensure you’ll have silky, velvety textures throughout.
5. Let Your Soup Rest
It’s important be patient, let your soup rest (untouched) for 5-10 minutes before serving. This short waiting period will allow all of the flavors in the pot to meld together, creating an ideally balanced taste profile that’s simply delectable!
These simple yet practical tips guarantee you make the perfect creamy Southern sweet potato soup that will have everyone exclaiming “y’all, hurry up and grab a bowl!”
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Sweet Potato Soup recipe is an excellent way to warm up your body and soul on a cold winter day. The creamy texture of the potato soup blends perfectly with the roasted sweet potatoes and other ingredients, giving the soup a delicious and savory taste that will make you crave more.
By using the recipe ingredients precisely and following the detailed tips and instructions provided in this article, you can be sure to get perfect results every time you make this soup. Don’t forget to adjust ingredients and use substitutions as per your preference, for there are umpteen variations available.
Enjoy it with your favorite toppings or garnishes or pair it with some crusty bread or salad. Also, if you prepare it ahead of time or store it appropriately, you can enjoy this soup for days to come.
So go ahead and try out this easy sweet potato recipe; I guarantee you that it will become a mainstay on your winter menu. Give your taste buds the gift of something southern to delight in.
Southern Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 (15 ounce) cans corn kernels, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cream-style corn
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 3 celery ribs, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 potato, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk or 1/2 cup cream
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Line the broiling pan with foil and spread the cubed sweet potato in a single layer and drizzle the first amount of oil over the potatoes.
- Roast the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, turn once
- Heat the second amount of oil in a soup pan over medium heat and cook the onion, garlic, celery, and shallot until soft.
- Add the tomato paste and stir until combined with vegetables.
- Add the broth, cream corn, bay leaf and bring to a boil, add the baking potato and cover the pot and simmer 25-30 minutes or until the potato is tender.
- Add the sweet potatoes, whole corn kernels, and cream or milk, stir well.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Note: you can certainly make this soup vegan by leaving out the cream or milk, it is just as good.
- Enjoy!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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