Caribbean Spiced Sweet Potato Chowder
Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this delicious Caribbean Spiced Sweet Potato Chowder! This comforting soup combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a kick of heat from chilies. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this chowder not only warms you up but also brings a taste of the islands right to your kitchen. Share it with friends and family, and let the rich, creamy texture and spice blend awaken your taste buds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Celery
2 ribs (diced)
Carrots
2 medium (peeled & chopped)
Onion
1 large (peeled & chopped)
Vegetable oil
as needed (for sautéing)
Indian curry paste
2-3 teaspoons (to taste)
Chilies
4 (chopped)
Garlic
4-5 cloves (crushed)
Sweet potato
1 kg (peeled & cut into chunks)
Bay leaves
3-4 (whole)
Fresh thyme
6 sprigs (leaves only)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Vegetable stock
as needed (to cover)
Cream
to taste (for blending)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat a splash of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced celery, chopped carrots, and chopped onion, and sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the Indian curry paste, chopped chilies, and crushed garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
3
Add the sweet potato chunks, bay leaves, thyme leaves, and chopped parsley, ensuring everything is well combined and coated with the spices.
4
Pour in enough vegetable stock to cover the mixture, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
5
Remove the bay leaves and carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy, or transfer to a regular blender in batches.
6
Stir in a splash of cream for an extra layer of richness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caribbean Spiced Sweet Potato Chowder?
It is a comforting and vibrant soup that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with aromatic Caribbean-inspired spices, fresh herbs, and a kick of heat from chilies.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include sweet potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, Indian curry paste, chilies, garlic, vegetable stock, cream, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley.
Is this Caribbean Sweet Potato Chowder vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable oil, vegetable stock, and cream.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan by substituting the cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream.
How many sweet potatoes do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks.
What type of curry paste is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2-3 teaspoons of Indian curry paste to provide an aromatic spice base.
How spicy is this chowder?
The heat comes from 4 chopped chilies and the curry paste. You can adjust the number of chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the base?
You should dice 2 ribs of celery and peel and chop 2 medium carrots and 1 large onion.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh thyme (leaves from 6 sprigs), 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and 3-4 whole bay leaves are used.
How long should I sauté the base vegetables?
Sauté the celery, carrots, and onion in vegetable oil for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
When do I add the garlic and chilies?
Add the crushed garlic, chopped chilies, and curry paste after the base vegetables have softened, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
How much vegetable stock is required?
Use enough vegetable stock to completely cover the sweet potato and vegetable mixture in the pot.
How long does it take for the sweet potatoes to cook?
Once the stock is boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Should I remove the bay leaves before blending?
Yes, it is important to remove the 3-4 whole bay leaves before you begin the blending process.
What is the best way to blend the soup?
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a smooth texture, or transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches.
When is the cream added?
The cream is stirred in after the soup has been blended to add an extra layer of richness.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme and parsley are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in smaller quantities if fresh are unavailable.
What makes this a 'chowder' rather than a regular soup?
The thick consistency from the blended sweet potatoes and the addition of cream gives it the rich, hearty texture characteristic of a chowder.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this chowder stores well and the flavors often deepen the next day, making it great for leftovers.
What should I serve with Caribbean Spiced Sweet Potato Chowder?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, Caribbean-style dumplings, or a light side salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Naturally, the ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the label of your vegetable stock and curry paste to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potato chunks, though the cooking time to reach tenderness may vary slightly.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on 1kg of sweet potatoes, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people.
What is the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I freeze this chowder?
Yes, you can freeze it, but for the best texture, it is recommended to freeze it before adding the cream and then stir the cream in while reheating.
What kind of chilies should I use?
For an authentic Caribbean feel, Scotch Bonnet or Habanero chilies work well, but you can use milder red chilies for less heat.
Why do I need to sauté the spices?
Cooking the curry paste, garlic, and chilies for a few minutes allows them to release their essential oils and aromatic flavors.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is packed with fiber and vitamins from the sweet potatoes and carrots, and you can control the fat content by adjusting the amount of cream used.
Can I add protein to this soup?
While it is great as a vegetarian dish, you could add chickpeas or even cooked shrimp to enhance the protein content.
Is this a seasonal recipe?
While delicious year-round, its warm spices and hearty nature make it a perfect fall or winter recipe.