Spicy Ginger-Lime Sweet Potato Soup
Experience a burst of flavors with this Spicy Ginger-Lime Sweet Potato Soup, featuring an aromatic blend of Indian spices and fresh ingredients. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is beautifully complemented by the heat from fresh chilies and the zing of ginger, creating a savory balance that's both comforting and invigorating. Ideal for a light meal or as a starter, this soup is low in fat and packed with nutrients. Serve it hot with a squeeze of lime for an added citrus kick and a dash of freshness that elevates every spoonful.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (None)
cumin seed
1/4 teaspoon (Whole)
coriander seed
1/2 teaspoon (Whole)
curry powder
1 tablespoon (None)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (None)
fresh ginger
2 inches (Finely chopped)
garlic clove
1 (Minced)
hot chili pepper
1 small (Finely chopped and seeded (serrano or Thai bird chili))
canned plum tomatoes
3 (Crushed)
low sodium chicken broth
3 1/2 cups (None)
sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
large sweet potato
1 (Peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks)
lime wedge
for serving (None)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over low heat.
2
Add the cumin and coriander seeds to the oil, stirring frequently until they begin to pop.
3
Stir in the curry powder and dry mustard, cooking until the spices are fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic, chopped ginger, and hot chili pepper, cooking for an additional minute until aromatic.
5
Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and sea salt into the pot. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
6
Once boiling, add the sweet potato chunks. Return to a boil before reducing the heat to low.
7
Simmer the soup for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
8
Serve hot with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Ginger-Lime Sweet Potato Soup?
It is a nutrient-packed soup featuring a blend of Indian spices, sweet potatoes, fresh ginger, and lime for a balanced sweet, spicy, and zesty flavor profile.
Is this sweet potato soup recipe spicy?
Yes, it contains a hot chili pepper (such as serrano or Thai bird chili) and aromatic spices like curry powder and dry mustard to provide a kick.
How long does it take to simmer the soup?
Once the sweet potatoes are added and the pot is brought back to a boil, you should simmer the soup for about 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, low-fat meal that is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and spices.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make this soup strictly vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with a low-sodium vegetable broth.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing the spices?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, but any neutral cooking oil will work.
How do I prepare the cumin and coriander seeds?
The seeds should be added to the oil over low heat and stirred frequently until they begin to pop before adding other spices.
Can I use ground spices instead of seeds?
While whole cumin and coriander seeds provide the most authentic flavor when popped, you can use ground versions if necessary, though the texture and aroma may differ slightly.
How much fresh ginger is needed?
You will need a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped, to provide the signature zing.
What type of chili pepper is best for this recipe?
A small serrano or Thai bird chili is recommended. For less heat, ensure you seed the pepper before finely chopping it.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Yes, the recipe suggests peeling the large sweet potato and cutting it into 1-inch chunks for the best texture.
What type of tomatoes are used in this soup?
The recipe specifies 3 canned plum tomatoes that have been crushed.
Why is lime served with the soup?
The lime juice adds a citrus kick and a dash of freshness that balances the sweetness of the potatoes and the heat of the spices.
Is there dairy in this recipe?
No, this recipe is dairy-free as it uses broth and oil rather than cream or butter.
Is the soup pureed or chunky?
According to the instructions, the sweet potato is cut into 1-inch chunks and simmered, resulting in a chunky style soup.
How much broth is required?
You will need 3 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth as a substitute).
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, frozen sweet potato chunks can be used, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Serve it hot in bowls with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top just before eating.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, you can easily add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for extra greens.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your broth and curry powder to ensure no cross-contamination.
What if I don't have fresh garlic?
You can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable, though fresh is preferred for the aromatic base.
What category does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Yam/Sweet Potato dishes and specifically as a soup.
Is this a good starter dish?
Yes, its light profile and invigorating flavors make it an excellent starter or a light meal.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup reduces too much during simmering, you can add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Does the recipe use dry mustard?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of dry mustard to add depth and a slight tang to the spice blend.
Can I use an immersion blender on this soup?
While the recipe describes a chunky soup, you can certainly use an immersion blender if you prefer a smooth, creamy texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including spices and garnishes.