Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional Garnishes: Chopped cilantro, toasted coconut flakes, a swirl of coconut cream
Instructions:
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Add sweet potatoes and spices: Add the cubed sweet potatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to coat the potatoes with those warming spices.
- Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend until smooth: Remove the soup from the heat. Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring to a regular blender in batches), blend the soup until completely smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust: Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you desire a thinner consistency, add a little more broth or water.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the velvety soup into bowls. Garnish with your choice of cilantro, toasted coconut flakes, a swirl of coconut cream, or any other toppings you like!
Tips:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder along with the other spices for more heat.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with other spices like curry powder or a touch of cinnamon for different flavor profiles.
- Get creative with garnishes: A dollop of yogurt or sour cream, diced red onion, or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds can add a delightful contrast.
Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying sweet potato coconut soup!
