A Silky, Flavor-Rich Soup That Warms You From Within
Sweet potato soup is already a cozy favorite—but when you add a touch of smokiness, it transforms into something magical. This Smoky Sweet Potato Soup is creamy, bold, and deeply comforting, with layers of flavor from roasted sweet potatoes, smoky spices, and aromatics.
As 2024 continues to spotlight nourishing plant-based dishes, “smoky vegan soups” are trending on platforms like Pinterest and Google. This soup fits perfectly into that movement: it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, made in one pot, and customizable to your heat preference.
Whether you’re planning a dinner party, prepping lunches, or just craving something smooth and soothing, this soup is an easy win.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Naturally sweet and savory – Perfect balance of warmth and richness
- Dairy-free and vegan – Achieves creaminess with blended sweet potatoes
- Smoky depth – Smoked paprika and optional chipotle add bold flavor
- One-pot simplicity – Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort
- Freezer-friendly – Great for batch cooking and meal prep
Ingredients Overview
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp | Or use coconut oil for added flavor |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium | Shallots also work |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | Boost flavor by roasting garlic with potatoes |
| Sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed | 4 cups | Garnet or Jewel varieties are best |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Key to the smoky flavor |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp | Adds earthy warmth |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | ¼ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Coconut milk (full-fat or lite) | ½ cup | Or cashew cream for variation |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Adjust after blending |
| Optional: chipotle powder or adobo | ½ tsp | For spicier, deeper smokiness |
How to Make Smoky Sweet Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Base
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Sweet Potatoes and Broth
Add sweet potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are very tender.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
Step 4: Stir in Coconut Milk
Return the soup to low heat and stir in coconut milk. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with chili oil, fresh herbs, or a swirl of coconut milk. Serve with warm bread or crackers.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – serves 4)
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | ~520 mg |
This soup is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and healthy fats from coconut milk.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.
Variations & Add-Ins
Creamier Texture
Add 1 small russet potato or 1/2 cup soaked cashews before blending.
Spicy Chipotle
Replace cayenne with 1 chipotle in adobo for a smoky, spicy depth.
Roasted Sweet Potato
Roast sweet potatoes first at 400°F for 30–35 minutes for enhanced caramelized flavor.
Southwest-Inspired
Top with black beans, corn, and avocado for a more filling bowl.
Protein Boost
Add a scoop of unflavored plant protein or a can of white beans before blending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without coconut milk?
Yes—use cashew cream, oat cream, or simply blend the soup without it for a lighter version.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes. Use pre-diced frozen sweet potatoes to save time—no need to thaw first.
Is it spicy?
Only slightly. Adjust the cayenne or skip it entirely for a milder version.
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes—carrots or butternut squash pair well with sweet potatoes in this recipe.
What’s the best topping?
Try toasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of chili oil, or crushed tortilla chips for texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or pita wedges
- Drizzle with coconut cream or herb oil
- Add roasted chickpeas or tempeh on top
- Pair with a spinach salad or quinoa tabbouleh
- Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or microgreens
Share the Cozy Bowl
Try this Smoky Sweet Potato Soup, snap a pic of your silky, orange bowl, and tag @YourFoodBlog using #SmokySoupSeason. We feature fan favorites every Sunday!
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