This Sweet Potato Curry Soup is warm and comforting, packed with creamy sweet potatoes and flavorful spices. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Perfect for chilly days, I love how it’s simple to make. Just blend, heat, and enjoy! Top it with crunchy nuts for a nice finish. Yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These bring natural sweetness and creaminess to the soup. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash is a fantastic substitute with a similar texture and sweetness.
Red Lentils: They cook quickly and dissolve nicely to thicken the soup. If you’re out of red lentils, use yellow lentils or split peas, but cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them!
Curry Powder: This is essential for flavor! If you prefer a different spice profile, garam masala or Thai red curry paste could work well. Adjust the amount to match your taste preference.
Coconut Milk: It adds a creamy texture and rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can substitute with almond milk or cashew cream, but it may change the soup’s richness.
How Do I Soften Onions and Garlic Perfectly?
Softening onions and garlic is key to building flavor! Start by cooking them in oil over medium heat. Here’s how to do it:
- Add chopped onions first and cook for 5 minutes until they’re soft and slightly translucent.
- Then, add minced garlic for the last 1-2 minutes. Garlic cooks quickly and can burn, so watch closely!
- A little salt will help them soften faster and enhance the flavors.
This step lays the foundation for your soup’s delicious taste, so don’t rush it!
Sweet Potato Curry Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- Red Lentils: 1 cup, rinsed
- Onion: 1 small onion, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- Curry Powder: 1-2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Turmeric: 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups
- Coconut Milk: 1 can (14 oz)
- Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnish: Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and chili flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll have a delicious Sweet Potato Curry Soup ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step adds a lovely flavor foundation to your soup!
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
3. Toast the Spices:
Now, add the curry powder, ground turmeric, and cumin. Stir them in and toast the spices for about 1 minute. This brings out their flavors, making your soup even more delicious!
4. Incorporate Main Ingredients:
It’s time for the main ingredients! Add the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed red lentils, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes and lentils are tender.
5. Blend It Smooth:
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it’s mostly smooth but still retains some lovely texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully blend it in batches using a countertop blender.
6. Finish with Coconut Milk and Spinach:
Stir in the coconut milk and fresh spinach leaves. Cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through beautifully. Enjoy the creamy, vibrant color!
7. Season to Taste:
Don’t forget to season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This is your moment to customize the flavor to your liking!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and chili flakes if you like some heat. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread on the side for a complete meal!
Can I Substitute the Red Lentils?
Absolutely! If you don’t have red lentils, you can use yellow lentils or split peas. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, so check for tenderness to ensure they’re cooked through properly.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider including a chopped chili pepper when you sauté the onions or adding red pepper flakes along with the spices. Adjust to your preferred spice level for the perfect kick!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
What’s a Good Pairing for This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or naan for dipping. A simple side salad or roasted vegetables can also complement the flavors nicely for a complete meal.
