Potato and sweet potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or impressing guests at a dinner party. This soup is an easy yet hearty dish that combines the rich, creamy textures of potatoes with the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes. The result is a velvety, satisfying bowl of goodness that is both nourishing and filling.
There’s something magical about the combination of potatoes and sweet potatoes in a soup. They have complementary flavors: the neutral earthiness of the potato balances out the natural sweetness of the sweet potato, creating a harmonious, well-rounded taste. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe-whether you’re sticking to a vegan version or want to add a bit of cream, there are endless ways to make this soup your own.
Let’s dive into a simple, flavorful recipe that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Potato And Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
This soup is all about layering flavors while keeping the ingredients minimal. The potatoes and sweet potatoes are pureed to create a smooth, velvety base, with just the right amount of seasoning to elevate the natural taste. It’s a forgiving recipe-perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Ingredients Needed
To make this soup, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the store:
- 2 medium potatoes (russet or yukon gold work best)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (the orange variety, for that natural sweetness)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (you can use chicken broth for a non-vegan version)
- 1 cup coconut milk (for a creamy, slightly sweet texture-alternatively, use heavy cream or milk)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground ginger or cinnamon (adds a subtle warmth)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like thyme, parsley, or chives)
- Optional toppings: croutons, a swirl of cream, or roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch
Cooking Instructions
This recipe comes together quickly and requires minimal cooking skills. Here’s how to prepare your potato and sweet potato soup:
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Prepare The Veggies
- Peel the potatoes and sweet potatoes. Cut them into cubes for even cooking. Roughly chop the onion and mince the garlic.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. If you’re using ground ginger or cinnamon, you can add them now for an extra layer of flavor.
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Cook The Potatoes And Sweet Potatoes
- Add the cubed potatoes and sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and let the potatoes cook for 2-3 minutes to begin softening.
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Simmer The Soup
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
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Blend Until Smooth
- Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Be sure to let it cool slightly before blending, as hot liquids can splatter.
- After blending, return the soup to the pot (if needed) and stir in the coconut milk (or cream). Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs and any other toppings you like-croutons, roasted seeds, or a drizzle of extra cream all work wonderfully.
Ingredient Insights
When you use both potatoes and sweet potatoes in a soup, you’re not only balancing flavors, but also maximizing nutritional benefits. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the table:
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a rich source of carbohydrates, which provide energy. They’re also high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports muscle and nerve function. While they have a more neutral flavor, they add a creamy, starchy texture to the soup.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that’s converted into vitamin A in the body, promoting healthy vision and immune function. They’re naturally sweeter than regular potatoes and add a beautiful color and depth of flavor to the soup.
- Coconut Milk: Using coconut milk gives the soup a creamy, slightly sweet texture that pairs well with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Plus, it’s a great alternative for dairy-free or vegan diets.
- Vegetable Broth: The broth adds a savory base to the soup, helping to bring all the flavors together. Opting for a low-sodium variety ensures you can control the salt level to your liking.
Expert Tips
Want to take your soup to the next level? Here are a few expert tips to elevate the flavor and texture:
- Roast the Vegetables First: For a deeper, more caramelized flavor, consider roasting the potatoes and sweet potatoes in the oven before adding them to the soup. Simply toss them in a little olive oil and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden and soft.
- Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, throw in some cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. This will give the soup a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Make it Velvety: For a smoother texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any remaining bits of potato skin or fiber.
- Boost the Umami: A tablespoon of miso paste or soy sauce can be added to the broth for an extra layer of umami flavor, giving the soup a more savory depth.
- Finish with a Drizzle: After serving, drizzle a bit of extra coconut milk or cream on top for a luxurious, creamy finish. A sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds or crispy shallots will also add a delightful crunch.
Recipe Variations
This potato and sweet potato soup is incredibly adaptable. Here are some variations to try:
- Spicy Curry Soup: Add a tablespoon of curry powder or curry paste during the sautéing step. This will give the soup an exotic, spicy kick. You can even stir in a bit of lime juice at the end for some brightness.
- Herb-Infused Soup: If you’re a fan of herbs, you can infuse the soup with fresh rosemary or thyme. Simply add a few sprigs of fresh herbs to the broth while it simmers, and remove them before blending. This adds a fragrant depth of flavor to the soup.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free, but if you want to make it heartier, add a cup of cooked lentils or quinoa for added protein and texture.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: For a richer, more indulgent version, top the soup with shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta. You could even swirl in some cream cheese for a tangy creaminess.
Final Words
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a meal to share, potato and sweet potato soup is one of those dishes that everyone loves. It’s simple, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. The combination of the two types of potatoes offers a unique balance of flavors, while the creamy texture makes it feel luxurious without being heavy.
What’s great about this soup is its flexibility-you can tweak it to your preferences, experiment with different spices, or add toppings to make it your own. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that just gets better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For A Basic Potato And Sweet Potato Soup Recipe?
For a basic potato and sweet potato soup, you will need the following ingredients: potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, olive oil or butter, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
Can I Make Potato And Sweet Potato Soup Without Cream?
Yes, you can make the soup without cream. For a lighter version, you can substitute cream with coconut milk, almond milk, or even extra broth to keep it creamy. Alternatively, blending the potatoes and sweet potatoes gives the soup a naturally creamy texture.
How Can I Thicken Potato And Sweet Potato Soup?
You can thicken the soup by either blending part of the soup, adding a starch like flour or cornstarch, or incorporating ingredients like coconut milk, cream, or mashed potatoes. Another option is to cook the soup longer to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To This Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, leeks, or even spinach and kale. Just be mindful of the cooking time for different vegetables to ensure they cook properly without overcooking the potatoes and sweet potatoes.
What Is The Best Way To Season Potato And Sweet Potato Soup?
The best way to season the soup is with salt, pepper, garlic, and onions as the base. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves can add depth of flavor. Spices like paprika, nutmeg, and cumin can complement the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Potato And Sweet Potato Soup?
Typically, potato and sweet potato soup takes about 30-40 minutes to cook. This includes sautéing the onions and garlic, simmering the potatoes and sweet potatoes in broth, and blending the soup to your desired consistency.
Can I Make Potato And Sweet Potato Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to meld and improve after a day or two in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container, and reheat when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
What Are Some Protein Options I Can Add To Potato And Sweet Potato Soup?
To add protein to your soup, you can incorporate ingredients like cooked chicken, turkey, beans, lentils, or even tofu. If you prefer a vegetarian version, chickpeas or white beans are great options that blend well with the flavors of the soup.
Can I Make A Vegan Version Of Potato And Sweet Potato Soup?
Yes, the soup can easily be made vegan by substituting butter with olive oil or vegan butter, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and avoiding any dairy products like cream. Coconut milk is a popular vegan substitute for cream to maintain the rich texture.
What Can I Serve With Potato And Sweet Potato Soup?
Potato and sweet potato soup pairs well with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a simple salad. You can also garnish the soup with sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or roasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.