Grandmother’s Creamy Sweet Potato Soup
Introduction
As an expert chef, few dishes transport me back to my childhood like my grandmother’s creamy sweet potato soup. This timeless recipe, rich with flavor and nostalgia, is the perfect comfort food to warm your soul. With its silky texture and natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes, it’s a bowl of pure love in every spoonful. Beyond its delicious taste, this soup offers a host of health benefits—packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s a dish that nourishes both body and heart. Trust me, once you make this soup, it will become a family favorite for generations to come.
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Servings
6 Persons
Diet Type
Comfort Food
Difficulty
Easy
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients for Recipe
2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed): Sweet potatoes are the star of this soup, providing both natural sweetness and a smooth texture.
1 medium onion (diced): Onions add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
2 cloves garlic (minced): A key ingredient for flavor depth; don’t let the garlic brown too much as it can become bitter.
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium): Broth serves as the base and brings the soup together, so choose a low-sodium option to control salt content.
1 cup heavy cream: For a rich, creamy texture that gives the soup its luxurious finish.
1 tsp ground ginger: Adds warmth and depth to the soup, complementing the sweet potatoes.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors.
1 tbsp olive oi: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
Optional: Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can affect the soup’s flavor.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to lightly caramelize.
- Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir in the ground ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Once the sweet potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
- Stir in the Cream: Once the soup is blended to your desired consistency, stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Chef’s Insight: The onions and garlic should be sautéed until soft to release their natural sweetness. This step builds the flavor base for the soup.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
For the creamiest texture, ensure the soup is completely blended. Lumps will detract from the silky finish.
Add the cream gradually and adjust the amount to your preferred level of richness. Too much cream can overwhelm the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
Overcooking them can result in a mushy texture. Cook them just until they’re fork-tender to achieve the perfect consistency.
Sweet potatoes can be naturally sweet, but adding a little cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper is essential to balancing that sweetness and making the soup well-rounded.
Serving, Nutrition, Storage, Reheating & Freezing Guide
This creamy sweet potato soup is perfect on its own or paired with crusty bread or a side salad. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat. Freezing is an option, but the cream may separate slightly upon thawing, so it’s best to store the soup without the cream and add it when reheating.
Grandmother’s Creamy Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 laerge Sweet potatoes
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Optional: Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can affect the soup’s flavor.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to lightly caramelize.
- Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir in the ground ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Once the sweet potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
- Stir in the Cream: Once the soup is blended to your desired consistency, stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Freshness is key: Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using soft or sprouted potatoes.
- Customize the seasoning: Adjust the cinnamon and ginger to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic finish.
- Cream alternatives: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Texture preferences: For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest intact for a more rustic feel. For an ultra-smooth soup, blend it all.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup’s flavor develops even more after a day, making it a great make-ahead meal.
- Reheating: Reheat gently over low to medium heat to avoid curdling the cream. Add a splash of broth or water to thin it out if necessary.
FAQs
Grandmother’s Creamy Sweet Potato Soup is a heartwarming recipe that combines rich, comforting flavors with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re looking to nourish your body, impress guests, or simply enjoy a bowl of comfort food, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Try it today, and let the natural sweetness and creamy texture of the sweet potatoes steal the show!
