Name: Spicy Sweet Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 4½ cups diced yams or orange sweet potatoes (about 1½ lb); ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups vegetable broth; Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley or cilantro

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This Spicy Sweet Potato Soup is warm, silky, and packed with bold, comforting flavors. With a smooth texture and just the right amount of heat, it’s the kind of cozy dish that’s perfect for fall and winter or anytime you’re craving something hearty and nourishing. Made with simple pantry staples and sweet potatoes as the star ingredient, this soup is both healthy and deeply satisfying.

Spicy Sweet Potato Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and flavorful with a gentle kick
Made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients
Naturally vegan and gluten-free
Creamy without using dairy
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Simple and budget-friendly
Warming and comforting—perfect for cooler weather
A lighter alternative to heavy cream soups
Ready in under an hour
Delicious as a starter or a main course

Ingredients

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

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
4½ cups diced yams or orange sweet potatoes (about 1½ pounds)
¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 cups vegetable broth
Red pepper flakes (optional topping)

Directions

Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot along with chipotle powder, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the oil and spices.
Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the broth has reduced slightly.
Blend the Soup
Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend in batches in a high-speed blender (be cautious with hot liquids).
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 cups (about 4–6 servings)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Extra spicy: Add more chipotle powder or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
Creamier texture: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream at the end.
Add protein: Blend in cooked white beans or lentils for a protein boost.
Roasted version: Roast the sweet potatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Add greens: Stir in chopped kale or spinach at the end of cooking.
Top it off: Garnish with roasted chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, or a swirl of coconut cream.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of yams?

Yes, orange sweet potatoes and yams are often interchangeable in recipes like this.

How spicy is this soup?

It has a mild kick from chipotle powder. You can adjust the heat level to your liking.

Can I add coconut milk to this recipe?

Yes, add ½ cup of full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture.

What can I use instead of chipotle powder?

You can use smoked paprika for a milder flavor or cayenne pepper for more heat.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan when made with vegetable broth.

Can I use an immersion blender?

Absolutely. It’s the easiest way to puree the soup directly in the pot.

What kind of broth works best?

Vegetable broth keeps it plant-based, but chicken broth works if you’re not vegetarian.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, carrots, parsnips, or even butternut squash would be great additions.

What should I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, a fresh salad, or grilled cheese are all excellent pairings.

Conclusion

This Spicy Sweet Potato Soup is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing lunch, a cozy dinner, or an easy freezer meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s proof that simple ingredients can yield bold, beautiful results.

Jessica