Easy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of warm soup, especially when it’s chilly outside. And if you’ve never tried sweet potato soup before, you’re in for a real treat. This easy sweet potato soup recipe combines the natural sweetness of the potatoes with savory spices to create a rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or just a cozy, comforting meal to wind down with, this sweet potato soup hits all the right notes.

What’s great about sweet potato soup is how versatile it is. You can keep it simple with a few basic ingredients, or you can layer in some extra flavor with spices and herbs. And best of all, sweet potatoes are incredibly nutritious, so this soup is not only delicious but packed with vitamins and minerals to keep you feeling good. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this cozy bowl of goodness!

Making sweet potato soup from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to achieve a rich, creamy texture. This recipe is all about simplicity without compromising on flavor. It’s easy to make, even for beginners, and it will definitely become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients Needed

To make this easy sweet potato soup, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Sweet Potatoes (3 medium to large): This is the star of the show. Sweet potatoes bring that subtle sweetness that balances out the savory elements of the soup.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): A little oil helps sauté the onions and garlic, giving a nice base of flavor.
Yellow Onion (1 medium): Adds savory depth and sweetness when sautéed.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic enhances the flavor of the soup and adds an aromatic touch.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth (4 cups): The broth is what turns this into a soup rather than just mashed sweet potatoes. It adds richness and moisture.
Coconut Milk (1 cup, full-fat): For creaminess and a subtle, sweet flavor. You can substitute with heavy cream if you prefer.
Ground Ginger (1 tsp): Sweet potatoes and ginger are a match made in heaven. The ginger adds a zesty kick to the soup.
Ground Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): A touch of cinnamon brings warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Salt (to taste): Salt is essential to balance the sweetness and bring all the flavors together.
Black Pepper (to taste): A pinch of pepper adds a mild heat and rounds out the flavor profile.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (optional for garnish): A fresh herb garnish adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can easily whip up this sweet potato soup:

Prepare The Ingredients
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces). The smaller the pieces, the quicker they cook.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Cook The Sweet Potatoes
- Add the chopped sweet potatoes to the pot and stir them in with the onions and garlic. Sauté everything together for another 3-4 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Simmer The Soup
- Pour in the broth (vegetable or chicken) and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Blend The Soup
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend it until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot if using a regular blender.
Add The Creaminess
- Stir in the coconut milk and season with ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Taste And Adjust Seasonings
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a dash more cinnamon if you want a deeper flavor.
Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this sweet potato soup serves a unique purpose. Here’s why they all matter:

Sweet Potatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re packed with antioxidants and fiber, making them a great choice for boosting immunity and digestion. Plus, they provide natural sweetness without being overwhelming.
Olive Oil: Aside from being heart-healthy, olive oil adds a lovely depth to the soup when sautéing the onions and garlic. It also contributes to the soup’s creamy texture when blended.
Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is not only a fantastic source of healthy fats, but it also imparts a subtle sweetness and rich creaminess that elevates the soup. It balances the slight heat from the spices and the sweetness of the potatoes.
Spices (Ginger & Cinnamon): The warm, spicy notes of ginger and cinnamon enhance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes. They create a cozy, aromatic atmosphere that makes the soup feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
Broth: The broth is key in creating the soup base. It adds a savory richness to balance the sweetness of the potatoes and prevents the soup from being too thick or starchy.

Expert Tips

If you’re looking to elevate your sweet potato soup or make it even easier, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:

Use a Sweet Potato Masher: If you don’t want to puree the soup, you can leave it slightly chunky by mashing the sweet potatoes with a potato masher after simmering. This gives the soup a bit more texture.
Add Heat: If you like a little spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño along with the onions and garlic. It balances well with the sweetness of the potatoes.
Double the Batch: This soup freezes really well, so if you’re cooking for one or two, double the recipe and save half for later. Simply store it in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Make it Vegan: If you prefer a vegan version, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and ensure that your coconut milk is dairy-free (most canned coconut milk is).

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this soup is how easy it is to adapt to your tastes. Here are some variations to try:

Spicy Sweet Potato Soup: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or toss in some finely chopped fresh chili peppers when sautéing the onions and garlic. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Curried Sweet Potato Soup: Add a tablespoon of curry powder or garam masala when you’re sautéing the onions and garlic. This adds an entirely new layer of flavor with warm, exotic spices.
Lemon & Herb: Stir in the zest of a lemon and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, citrusy twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add a fresh, earthy element.
Roasted Sweet Potato Soup: Instead of boiling the sweet potatoes, roast them first. Toss the sweet potato cubes in olive oil and roast them at 400°F for 25 minutes until they’re golden and caramelized before adding them to the soup.

Final Words

Sweet potato soup is one of those simple dishes that feels like a luxury when done right. It’s easy to make, nourishing, and incredibly versatile. You can tweak it to your heart’s content, making it spicy, creamy, or even tangy. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, so you can enjoy a bowl throughout the week or freeze some for later.

This recipe is your canvas, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, herbs, and garnishes. Whether you prefer a traditional creamy soup or want to add a unique twist, the possibilities are endless. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting goodness of sweet potato soup in all its warm, velvety glory.

Easy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe