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Curried Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to whip up, I’ve got just the thing: my Curried Sweet Potato Soup Recipe. This soup is one of my favorites because it’s creamy, slightly spicy, and has that beautiful balance between sweet potatoes and warm curry spices. Whether you’re new to cooking with curry or a seasoned pro, I promise you’ll fall in love with how accessible and comforting this recipe is. Plus, it’s perfect for those cooler evenings when you want something nourishing but not fussy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: You’ll appreciate how simple the steps are, even if you’re not a kitchen whiz.
  • Comforting Flavor: The blend of warm spices and sweet potato creates a cozy, soul-soothing soup.
  • Versatile Garnishes: Customize it with your favorite toppings like crispy onions or cilantro.
  • Great for Leftovers: It keeps well and freezes beautifully, making meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Curried Sweet Potato Soup Recipe comes from a careful selection of spices and fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. You’ll want quality sweet potatoes and a good curry powder as your base, then the coconut milk adds richness while keeping things dairy-free.

  • Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh—they’re naturally sweet and full of nutrients.
  • Chicken or Vegetable Stock: The broth is the flavor foundation, so pick a good-quality stock for depth; vegetable stock works great for a vegan version.
  • Coconut Milk: Adds velvety creaminess and a subtle tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with curry spices.
  • Onion: A classic base ingredient that caramelizes nicely to bring out sweetness and richness.
  • Garlic and Ginger: These add that punchy aromatic lift you want in any good curry.
  • Curry Powder: Choose one that suits your taste—mild if you’re cautious with spice, or a hotter blend if you like some heat.
  • Spices: Paprika, Cumin, Ground Coriander, Turmeric: Layering these spices builds complex flavor without overwhelming heat.
  • Coconut Oil (or Olive Oil): For sautéing, coconut oil enhances the tropical notes but olive oil works too.
  • Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential to balance and elevate all the flavors.
  • To Serve: Flatbreads, a drizzle of cream or extra coconut milk, crispy fried onions, and fresh coriander or cilantro for brightness.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this curried sweet potato soup my own, and you can totally do the same! Don’t hesitate to tweak the spice levels or swap out ingredients depending on your mood, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry.

  • Spice it Up or Down: When I want a gentler version, I go for mild curry powder. But when my family craves a kick, I add cayenne pepper bit by bit after blending—it’s a game changer.
  • Vegan-Friendly: Swap chicken stock with vegetable stock to keep things totally plant-based—and don’t forget to use all coconut milk instead of cream to serve!
  • Nutty Twist: Sometimes I toss in crushed peanuts or toasted coconut flakes as a garnish for added texture and flavor.
  • Extra Veggies: Feel free to add carrots or bell peppers in with your sweet potatoes for a heartier soup that sneaks in more veggies.

How to Make Curried Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your finely diced onion and cook it slowly, stirring now and then, until it’s soft and golden—this usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step because caramelized onions form the sweet, savory base that really makes the soup sing. Then toss in the garlic and ginger and fry for another 2 minutes until the kitchen smells amazing.

Step 2: Toast the Spices for Deep Flavor

This is my favorite part: sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon curry powder and 1 teaspoon each of paprika, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Keep everything moving in the pan for about a minute to toast the spices—not too long or they’ll burn, but just enough to bring out their aroma and deepen their flavor. You’ll notice the change immediately, and trust me, it makes all the difference.

Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Liquids

Once your spices are fragrant, add in the diced sweet potatoes and give it all a good stir to combine. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock along with the coconut milk, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and cover the pot to let the sweet potatoes cook gently for 20-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides easily into the chunks. The timing depends on how big or small you diced them, so keep an eye on it.

Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Turn off the heat and grab your hand blender (or transfer to a regular blender in batches if needed). Blitz the soup until it’s smooth and creamy—but don’t overdo it or the texture can turn gluey, which none of us want! If the soup seems too thick, add a splash more stock to loosen things up. If it’s too thin, feel free to simmer a few extra minutes to thicken it up. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish Creatively

Ladle your soup into bowls and finish with a drizzle of cream or a little extra coconut milk if you want to keep it dairy-free. I absolutely love popping crispy fried onions on top because they add such a wonderful crunch contrast. A sprinkle of fresh coriander or cilantro is optional—only add it if you’re like me and adore that fresh herb punch! Serve alongside warm flatbreads for dunking, and dinner is served.

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Pro Tips for Making Curried Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

  • Don’t Rush the Onions: Slow-cooked onions create depth—you’ll thank yourself for the extra time here.
  • Toast Spices Gently: Keep stirring spices on medium heat so they don’t burn and become bitter.
  • Mind Your Blender Time: Blend just enough for creaminess; over-blending can cause a gluey texture.
  • Adjust the Liquid Slowly: Add stock bit by bit when thinning the soup so you don’t end with soup that’s too watery.

How to Serve Curried Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick, smooth orange soup forming the base layer, topped with swirling white cream in an irregular pattern. On top of the cream lies a generous layer of crunchy brown fried onions scattered evenly across the surface. Bright green chopped herbs, likely cilantro, are sprinkled over everything, adding a fresh touch. The bowl sits on a lightly colored wooden board with a silver spoon and a white flatbread in the blurred background. The entire setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually drizzle a little cream right before serving because it adds a lovely richness, but if you’re dairy-free, extra coconut milk works just as well. Crispy fried onions are my secret crunch-addition—they bring a delightful texture contrast. And though cilantro isn’t for everyone, I love the fresh brightness it brings, so I always keep some on hand.

Side Dishes

Warm, soft flatbreads are my go-to accompaniment—they’re perfect for scooping up every last drop. If I’m in the mood for something heartier, a simple green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette pairs nicely to cut through the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in small, elegant cups as an appetizer. I also sometimes swirl in a vibrant chili oil drizzle or a dollop of spiced yogurt to add color and a little extra zing. It’s a great way to impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover curried sweet potato soup in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’s good for about 3 to 5 days. When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep that creamy texture intact—zapping it too long in the microwave tends to change the texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! When I make a big batch, I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it back up slowly on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly without separating. If it thickens too much, I add a splash of stock or water to loosen it back up—then finish with fresh garnishes to brighten it back up.

FAQs

  1. Is this Curried Sweet Potato Soup Recipe spicy?

    It’s fairly mild as written, so it’s friendly even if you’re sensitive to spice. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot curry powders and adding cayenne pepper a pinch at a time after cooking until you find your preferred spice level.

  2. Can I make this soup vegan?

    Absolutely! Just swap chicken stock for vegetable stock and skip the cream or use extra coconut milk for serving. The coconut milk adds plenty of richness to keep it deliciously creamy without dairy.

  3. How long can I store leftover curried sweet potato soup?

    Stored in an airtight container in your fridge, the soup stays fresh for 3 to 5 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in short microwave bursts.

  4. Can I freeze curried sweet potato soup?

    Yes, freezing is a great option! Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

This Curried Sweet Potato Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s flavorful, comforting, and so adaptable. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just craving something warm and soothing, this soup always hits the spot. I really encourage you to give it a try and make it your own with those garnishes and spice tweaks. Trust me, once you do, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation too!

Print
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Curried Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Fusion / Indian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Curried Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting, mildly spiced dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warmth of curry spices and creamy coconut milk. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and blended to a smooth, velvety texture, perfect for a cozy meal that pairs beautifully with flatbreads and optional garnishes like crispy fried onions and fresh coriander.


Ingredients

Soup

  • 2 lb / 1 kg whole sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized chunks
  • 4 cups / 1 litre chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 x 14 oz / 400 ml can of coconut milk
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely diced
  • 2 tsp finely diced ginger
  • 1 tbsp hot curry powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (can substitute olive oil)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve

  • Flatbreads
  • Drizzle of cream (or a couple tablespoons of reserved coconut milk as an alternative)
  • Crispy fried onions
  • Coriander / cilantro (optional, add only if you like it)


Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Add the finely diced onion and fry until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the garlic and ginger, frying for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Toast Spices: Stir in 1 tablespoon of hot curry powder along with 1 teaspoon each of paprika, cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric. Toast the spices in the pot for about a minute to release their flavors, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Liquids: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and the canned coconut milk. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.
  4. Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until the sweet potato chunks are tender and fully cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potato pieces.
  5. Blend Soup: Turn off the heat and use a hand blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. Be careful not to over-blend to avoid a gluey texture. If the soup is too thick, add extra stock to thin to desired consistency. Alternatively, simmer longer if it is too thin.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or curry powder as needed to suit your preferences.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle each serving with cream or reserved coconut milk, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top, and garnish with fresh coriander/cilantro if desired. Serve alongside warm flatbreads for dipping and enjoy!

Notes

  • The soup as written is fairly mild but the spice level can be adjusted easily by choosing mild curry powder or adding cayenne pepper after cooking to taste.
  • Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or use short intervals in the microwave.
  • This soup freezes well. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • For alternative garnishes, toasted coconut flakes or crushed peanuts add a nice texture and flavor contrast. Add chili flakes if extra heat is desired.
  • Calories estimate is based on dividing the recipe into 4 servings without any additional sides or garnishes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350 ml)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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