Curried Sweet Potato & Peanut Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Curried Sweet Potato & Peanut Soup is incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and full of nutrients. The combination of sweet potatoes and peanut butter provides a rich, creamy base, while the curry spices add depth and warmth. It’s a one-pot dish that can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent option for a variety of dietary needs. It’s also versatile, and you can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

• 4 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Lime wedges (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the spices: Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cinnamon (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant and well-coated with the onions and garlic.

3. Cook the sweet potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the potatoes to lightly brown and absorb the flavors of the spices.

4. Add the liquid: Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth (or water). Stir well, bringing the soup to a simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

5. Blend the soup: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.

6. Stir in the peanut butter: Return the soup to low heat and stir in the peanut butter, allowing it to fully incorporate and give the soup a rich, creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrus.

8. Enjoy your hearty, creamy, and flavorful Curried Sweet Potato & Peanut Soup!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For an extra boost of protein, you can add cooked chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh to the soup. You can also serve it with a side of quinoa or rice.

• Spicy Version: If you like more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped chili peppers to the soup.

• Greens: Add spinach, kale, or other leafy greens in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

• More Flavor: To deepen the flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for umami, or a dash of apple cider vinegar for tang.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup without coconut milk?

Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with almond milk, cashew milk, or even vegetable broth for a lighter version. However, the coconut milk adds creaminess and richness that is a signature element of this soup.

2. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook quickly.

3. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. Just be sure to stir it well before adding it to the soup, as natural peanut butter tends to separate.

4. Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add fresh chilies or chili flakes to the soup for more heat.

5. Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Yes, you can experiment with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor profile.

6. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this Curried Sweet Potato & Peanut Soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

7. Can I use sweet potato puree instead of diced sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use sweet potato puree. If using pureed sweet potatoes, you may want to reduce the cooking time and adjust the liquid amounts to achieve your desired consistency.

8. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. The flavors tend to develop even further after sitting for a day or two in the fridge. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

9. How can I make the soup creamier?

For a richer and creamier soup, you can add an extra spoonful of peanut butter or a splash of non-dairy cream or cashew cream.

10. Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?

Yes, you can use a regular blender. Just be cautious when blending hot liquids; blend the soup in batches, and allow it to cool slightly if needed before blending.

Conclusion

Curried Sweet Potato & Peanut Soup is the perfect cozy dish for any time of the year. The rich, creamy texture of the sweet potatoes and peanut butter pairs perfectly with the warm spices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a nourishing lunch, this vegan, gluten-free soup is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy it with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness!