Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Recipe

Cozy Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Recipe: Heartwarming Goodness

My grandma’s secret sweet potato peanut soup always sparked conversations around our rustic kitchen table.

Memories of her stirring that creamy concoction flood back with each ladleful.

Warm spices dance through this hearty blend, creating comfort in a single bowl.

Nutritious ingredients converge to craft a surprisingly luxurious experience that feels like a culinary hug.

West African influences shine through each spoonful, connecting traditional flavors with modern kitchen magic.

Rich and velvety textures promise a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Let you dive into this soulful recipe that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Sweet Potato Peanut Soup That’s Nutty and Creamy

  • Packed with sweet potatoes, kale, and peanut butter, this soup delivers a robust blend of vitamins, protein, and healthy fats in every spoonful.
  • Customize the heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper, swap greens based on preference, and experiment with different nut butters for unique taste variations.
  • Minimal dishes, straightforward cooking technique, and quick clean-up make this recipe a weeknight dinner champion for busy home cooks seeking delicious, stress-free meals.

Ingredients You’ll Love in Sweet Potato Peanut Soup

Soup Base and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic intensity to the soup base.
  • Ginger: Brings a warm, spicy note that complements the other ingredients.
Main Vegetables:
  • Sweet Potatoes: The star ingredient, offering creamy texture and natural sweetness.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and brightness to the soup's overall taste.
  • Kale or Spinach: Provides nutritional boost and fresh green color.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cumin: Earthy spice that adds warmth to the soup.
  • Paprika: Offers subtle smoky undertone and rich color.
  • Cayenne: Introduces a gentle heat and spicy kick.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and adds depth.
  • Peanut Butter: Provides creamy texture and nutty richness.
  • Lime Juice: Brings fresh acidity and balances the soup's flavors.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding subtle fruity undertone.
Seasoning:
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.

Steps to Make Sweet Potato Peanut Soup at Home

Step 1: Create Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Add and caramelize onions until soft and translucent. Sprinkle in garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Stir and cook for one minute until the kitchen fills with a mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 2: Build Soup Foundation

Toss in:
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Vegetable broth

Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then lower heat. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until sweet potatoes become incredibly tender and start breaking down.

Step 3: Transform Texture

Remove pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until completely smooth. If using a standard blender, transfer carefully in batches. Swirl in peanut butter until fully melted and integrated. Adjust liquid consistency by adding extra broth if needed.

Step 4: Elevate Flavor Profile

Fold in fresh kale or spinach, allowing greens to gently wilt. Squeeze fresh lime juice throughout the soup. Taste and season with salt and pepper until flavors pop.

Tips for Smoother, Richer Sweet Potato Soup

  • Chop Onions Strategically: Dice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the soup.
  • Control Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and paprika quantities to match your heat tolerance, starting with less and adding gradually.
  • Blend Safely: When using a standard blender, allow soup to cool slightly and fill only halfway to prevent hot liquid explosions.
  • Choose Fresh Greens: Select crisp kale or spinach for maximum nutritional value and vibrant color in the final soup.
  • Customize Consistency: Add vegetable broth incrementally to achieve your preferred soup thickness, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Peanut Soup with Care

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot, add a splash of vegetable broth to restore consistency. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
  • If in a hurry, reheat individual portions in microwave-safe bowl. Use 50% power to prevent separating, stirring every 30 seconds until steaming hot.

What Works Well with Peanut-Infused Soup

  • The bright, citrusy white wine cuts through the soup's creamy richness, complementing the lime juice and balancing the spicy undertones.
  • Tear and dip chunks of tangy sourdough into the velvety soup, creating perfect bites that soak up the nutty, sweet potato flavors.
  • Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for a delightful crunch that echoes the soup's peanut butter base and adds a satisfying textural contrast.
  • A zesty, fresh side salad with bright cilantro and lime will enhance the soup's African-inspired flavor profile and provide a cool, crunchy counterpoint.

Twist Up Your Sweet Potato Soup Routine

  • Vegan Protein Boost: Replace peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free option. Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute sweet potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets. Reduce cooking time to 15 minutes and use bone broth for richer flavor.
  • Spicy African-Inspired Version: Increase cayenne pepper and add harissa paste. Garnish with roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro for authentic West African taste profile.
  • Creamy Coconut Variation: Substitute half the vegetable broth with coconut milk. Add turmeric and reduce ginger for a mellower, tropical-inspired soup that's rich and warming.

Sweet Potato Soup Q&A Corner

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, while kale offers additional nutrients. Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, making this soup a wholesome, balanced meal.

  • Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if you want more kick. The cumin and paprika also contribute subtle warmth.

  • Do I need special equipment to blend the soup?

Not necessarily. An immersion blender works great for convenience, but a standard blender works too. Just be careful when transferring hot liquid and blend in batches if needed.

  • Is this soup good for vegetarians and vegans?

Definitely! This recipe is plant-based, using vegetable broth and no animal products. It’s a hearty, satisfying option for those following vegetarian or vegan diets.

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Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Recipe

Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting sweet potato peanut soup blends creamy African-inspired flavors with rich, nutty undertones. Warm spices and hearty ingredients create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Vegetables:

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional, for extra greens)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Protein Components:

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounces/414 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic foundation by heating olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperatures, gently sautéing chopped onions until they become translucent and tender.
  2. Introduce minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, ground cumin, sweet paprika, and a whisper of cayenne, allowing the spices to bloom and release their intense fragrances for approximately one minute.
  3. Incorporate diced sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth into the seasoned mixture, elevating the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous boil.
  4. Reduce the heat, allowing the soup to simmer gently, transforming the sweet potatoes into a soft, yielding texture – this typically requires 20-25 minutes of patient cooking.
  5. Remove the pot from direct heat and transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender, creating a silky, uniform consistency. Alternatively, transfer carefully to a standard blender in measured batches.
  6. Whisk creamy peanut butter into the velvety soup, ensuring complete integration and adjusting the liquid volume if the consistency appears too dense.
  7. Delicately fold verdant kale or spinach into the warm soup, permitting the greens to softly wilt and infuse their vibrant color and nutritional essence.
  8. Brighten the soup’s complex flavor profile with a splash of fresh lime juice, then fine-tune the seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve a perfectly balanced taste.

Notes

  • Choose a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution during sautéing.
  • Dice onions uniformly for consistent cooking and better texture in the final soup.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper according to personal heat preference.
  • Consider roasting sweet potatoes beforehand for deeper, caramelized flavor before adding to the soup.
  • Swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free dietary needs.
  • Use coconut milk instead of broth for a creamier, richer soup consistency.
  • Add protein by stirring in cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas during the final stage.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers, as the soup’s flavors intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra texture and visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: African

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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