Creamy Sweet Potato Bliss

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most comforting and flavorful Creamy Sweet Potato Soup you’ve ever tasted! This incredibly simple recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a velvety smooth, deeply satisfying dish, subtly spiced with a hint of warming curry and aromatic nutmeg. Whether you’re seeking an elegant starter for a special occasion or a hearty, soul-soothing dinner paired with a crusty loaf of bread, this soup is a versatile masterpiece that promises to delight your palate and warm your home.

Sweet potatoes are culinary chameleons, capable of adapting to a myriad of dishes, from savory to sweet. If you find yourself with a bounty of these vibrant tubers, don’t let them go to waste! Beyond this delightful soup, sweet potatoes shine in many other preparations. Consider transforming them into fluffy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter for a decadent side dish, or kickstart your day with a nourishing and flavorful Breakfast Scramble with Eggs and Sweet Potatoes. Their natural sweetness and impressive nutritional profile make them a fantastic addition to any meal.

My Sweet Potato Revelation: A Journey from Skeptic to Superfan

It’s funny how a single recipe can completely transform your culinary preferences. I distinctly remember the first time I whipped up this sweet potato soup back in 2007. At that point, I had a preconceived notion that sweet potatoes simply weren’t for me. They seemed too sweet, too earthy, and frankly, a bit boring. Oh, how wrong I was! This particular recipe wasn’t just another dish; it was a revelation that turned my entire perspective on its head.

From the moment I tasted that first spoonful, a switch flipped. The creamy texture, the delicate balance of sweetness from the potatoes, the subtle warmth of curry, and that secret whisper of nutmeg created a symphony of flavors I never knew I was missing. It wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet, nor was it bland. It was perfectly balanced, comforting, and utterly delicious. Let’s just say that since that pivotal moment, I’ve become a full-fledged sweet potato devotee. Seriously, if sweet potatoes aren’t already one of your favorite foods, this soup has the power to change your mind, too! It truly is *that* good, proving that sometimes, all it takes is the right recipe to unlock a whole new world of flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

Crafting this delightful soup requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its rich flavor and velvety texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of our show! You’ll need about 1 1/2 pounds, which typically equates to 2 large sweet potatoes. Look for firm, unblemished potatoes with smooth skins. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color are essential for the soup’s character and nutritional value.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the savory base of the soup, adding depth and richness. I prefer chicken broth for its robust flavor, but for a delicious vegetarian or vegan version, feel free to substitute with a high-quality vegetable broth. Ensure you have two cups, divided, as one cup is used for blending with the roasted potatoes and the other for the roux.
• Butter & Flour: These two ingredients come together to create a classic roux, which is fundamental for thickening the soup to that desired creamy consistency. The butter adds richness, while the flour helps build body without making the soup heavy. A tablespoon of each is all it takes to start your soup base perfectly.
• Curry Powder: A secret weapon for adding a layer of warmth and complexity. Don’t worry, it won’t make your soup taste overtly “curry-like,” but rather infuses it with a subtle, earthy spice that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully. Just an eighth of a teaspoon is enough to make a significant impact without overpowering the other flavors.
• Nutmeg: This is my ultimate secret ingredient that truly elevates the soup. A dash of freshly grated nutmeg provides a unique, sweet, and nutty aroma that pairs exquisitely with sweet potatoes and the hint of curry. It adds an unexpected layer of sophisticated flavor that makes this soup truly memorable.
• Evaporated Milk: For that wonderfully creamy mouthfeel, low-fat evaporated milk is my go-to. It provides all the richness and lusciousness of heavy cream but with significantly fewer calories and fat, making this a healthier indulgence. It’s the key to achieving that luxurious texture without sacrificing flavor.

Crafting Your Homemade Creamy Sweet Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this comforting sweet potato soup is remarkably straightforward, and the steps are designed to be simple even for novice cooks. Follow these instructions to create a truly irresistible dish:

1. Prepare and Roast Your Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Take your sweet potatoes, pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape, and place them directly on a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven until they are completely soft and tender when squeezed, which usually takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour for larger potatoes. This roasting process intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a lovely caramelized flavor. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly until they are comfortable to handle.
2. Blend the Sweet Potato Base: Once the roasted sweet potatoes have cooled, carefully remove their skins. The flesh should be very soft and easy to scoop out. Place the potato flesh into a blender, add 1 cup of the chicken broth, and blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth and free of any lumps. This step ensures a silky-smooth texture for your final soup. Set this rich sweet potato puree aside.
3. Build the Roux and Flavor Base: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly shimmering, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and remove any raw flour taste – this creates your roux. Next, whisk in the curry powder and the freshly grated nutmeg, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine and Thicken: Gradually and slowly whisk in the evaporated milk into the roux mixture, ensuring no lumps form. Once smooth, pour in the remaining cup of chicken broth, whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly as it heats.
5. Integrate Sweet Potato and Serve: Finally, whisk in your prepared sweet potato mixture into the simmering soup base. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the entire soup is thoroughly warmed through and bubbling gently. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding salt and pepper to your preference.

Tips, Tricks, and Creative Variations for Your Sweet Potato Soup

This creamy sweet potato soup is fantastic on its own, but with a few simple additions and strategic planning, you can elevate it even further and make your cooking experience seamless.

Serving Suggestions & Toppings

While delicious as is, a few thoughtful garnishes can truly enhance both the presentation and flavor of your soup. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. A dash of red pepper flakes offers a subtle kick, awakening the palate. For an extra touch of indulgence and creaminess, drizzle a little heavy cream, coconut milk, or even a swirl of plain yogurt over each serving. Other fantastic topping ideas include crunchy croutons, toasted pumpkin seeds or pecans, crispy bacon bits, or a spoonful of pesto for an unexpected twist. Serve alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad, or a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich for a truly comforting meal.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

One of the best features of this sweet potato soup is how well it lends itself to meal prep. You can roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time when you have a spare moment. Once roasted and cooled, peel them and store the cooked sweet potato flesh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to make the soup, your primary ingredient will be prepped and waiting, significantly cutting down on active cooking time.

Any leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave. If the soup is too thick after reheating, you can thin it out with a splash of extra broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Creative Variations to Explore

Feel free to get creative with this sweet potato soup recipe! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small amount of finely minced fresh ginger along with the curry powder for a more pronounced warmth and spice.
• Herbal Notes: Introduce other herbs like a sprig of fresh thyme or sage during the simmering phase for added aromatic depth.
• Plant-Based Power: As mentioned, vegetable broth works perfectly. For a fully vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter, and use full-fat coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for an equally creamy and rich texture.
• Additional Vegetables: Experiment with roasting other root vegetables alongside the sweet potatoes, such as carrots or butternut squash, for a different flavor profile.
• Smoky Flavor: A hint of smoked paprika can add a delicious, earthy, and slightly smoky dimension to the soup.

Discover More Comforting & Creamy Soup Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the rich and creamy texture of this sweet potato soup, then you’re in for a treat! Explore some of my other favorite recipes that offer similar comforting qualities and delightful flavors. These soups are perfect for chilly evenings or simply whenever you crave a bowl of warmth and goodness:

Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Tomato Basil Soup
Pumpkin Soup
Crockpot Potato Soup
Butternut Squash Soup

Each of these recipes promises a velvety texture and an explosion of flavor, making them ideal additions to your seasonal cooking repertoire. Dive in and find your next favorite creamy concoction!

LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Sweet Potato Soup

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Creamy and delicious, this Sweet Potato Soup is super simple with a hint of curry and nutmeg. It is perfect as a starter, or serve it up with fresh bread for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pound sweet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
• 2 cups chicken broth (divided)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon curry powder
• Dash of freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 (12 oz) can low fat evaporated milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Pierce the potatoes in several places with a fork and roast in the oven until they are tender, 45 minutes to an hour. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let the potatoes cool slightly.
2. When cool enough to handle, remove the potatoes from the skin and place the potatoes in a blender along with 1 cup of the chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
3. In a soup pan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and let the mixture cook for a minute or two. Whisk in the curry powder and the nutmeg. Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk, followed by the remaining cup of chicken broth. Stir in the sweet potato mixture.
4. Continue to cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 318kcal (16%), Carbohydrates: 39g (13%), Protein: 11g (22%), Fat: 12g (18%), Saturated Fat: 4g (25%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 33mg (11%), Sodium: 466mg (20%), Fiber: 4g (17%), Sugar: 18g (20%)

Keywords: sweet potato soup