Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Coconut Sweet Potato Soup?
It is a creamy and comforting soup that blends sweet orange potatoes with curry spices, tart apple, and rich coconut cream.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
As written with chicken stock it is not vegetarian, but it can easily be made vegetarian by substituting the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and ensure your buttered toast side uses a vegan butter alternative.
What type of sweet potatoes are best for this soup?
Orange sweet potatoes are recommended for their sweetness and vibrant color, which complements the curry and coconut flavors.
How long does it take to simmer the sweet potatoes?
The sweet potatoes should simmer for approximately 45 minutes or until they are very tender before blending.
Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream?
Yes, you can use coconut milk, though the soup may be slightly less rich and creamy than if you used coconut cream.
What is the purpose of adding an apple to the recipe?
A large tart apple adds a refreshing twist and a hint of acidity that balances the sweetness of the potatoes and the richness of the coconut.
How do I blend the soup to a smooth consistency?
The easiest way is to use a stick blender directly in the pot once the soup has cooled slightly.
Can I freeze Spiced Coconut Sweet Potato Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months, though you may need to stir well upon reheating to recombine the coconut cream.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 33.3g of carbohydrates, 3.3g of protein, and 5g of fiber.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the soup itself is gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken stock is certified gluten-free and serve with gluten-free bread if desired.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is delicious served hot with slices of crusty buttered toast for dipping.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If the soup is too thick after blending, you can stir in a little more chicken or vegetable stock until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this soup spicy?
The curry powder provides a warm spice, but you can increase the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes during the sautรฉing stage.
How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Yes, for the smoothest texture, it is best to peel the sweet potatoes before dicing them into 2cm cubes.
What kind of curry powder should I use?
A standard mild or medium yellow curry powder works best to provide an aromatic base without overpowering the other ingredients.
Can I add ginger to this recipe?
Adding a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic would be a wonderful variation that complements the coconut and sweet potato.
What if I don't have a stick blender?
You can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a traditional upright blender, ensuring you don't overfill it while blending hot liquids.
Is the onion necessary?
The onion provides an essential savory base, but if you are out of brown onions, you can use white onions or shallots as a substitute.
Can I use light coconut cream?
Yes, light coconut cream can be used to reduce the fat content, though the texture will be slightly less velvety.
What apple variety is best for grating?
A Granny Smith apple is a great choice because its tartness cuts through the richness of the coconut cream.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 crushed garlic cloves.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is high in fiber and contains nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes and garlic, with a moderate calorie count of 250 per serving.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Season the soup to your taste after blending but before the final reheat with the coconut cream.
How do I reheat this soup?
Reheat the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the coconut cream doesn't separate.
Can I use olive oil substitutes?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or butter to sautรฉ the onions if you prefer those flavor profiles.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients except the coconut cream in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, then blend and stir in the cream at the end.
Is this soup good for kids?
Most kids enjoy the natural sweetness of the potatoes and apple, making it a generally kid-friendly vegetable dish.