Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Sweet Potato & Jalapeño Bisque?
It is a comforting and hearty soup made from creamy sweet potatoes, smoky bacon, and zesty jalapeños, perfect for chilly fall or winter evenings.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 14 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of the bisque?
There are 200 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients for this bisque?
The main ingredients include sweet potatoes, bacon, onion, chicken broth, pickled jalapeño peppers, and milk.
How should I prepare the bacon?
The bacon should be finely chopped and rendered in a large stock pot until it becomes crispy.
What should I do with the bacon drippings?
Leave the drippings in the pot after removing the crispy bacon to sauté the onions.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent and tender.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the sliced garlic after the onions are tender and cook for an additional 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared before cooking?
They should be peeled and cut into cubes.
What liquids are used for the soup base?
The base uses 8 cups of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of jalapeño juice, and eventually 1.5 cups of milk.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to simmer?
The potatoes should cook on low heat for approximately 20 to 30 minutes until tender.
Why is baking soda included in the recipe?
Baking soda is added after the potatoes are tender to help balance acidity and affect texture.
How can I achieve the desired consistency for the soup?
You can use a potato masher for a coarser texture or an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
What spices are used to season the bisque?
The soup is seasoned with cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How long is the final simmer?
After mashing and adding milk, let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a few strips of fresh jalapeño.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a zesty kick from the pickled jalapeños, jalapeño juice, and fresh jalapeño garnish.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 6.1 grams of fat.
How many grams of protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 5.7 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this a vegetarian soup?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon, using extra butter or oil for sautéing.
What type of jalapeños are used in the cooking process?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped pickled jalapeño peppers.
Is butter used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of butter.
How much cilantro is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of cilantro leaves.
What should I do if the soup sticks to the pot?
Stir the soup frequently during the final 15-minute simmer to prevent sticking.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
What can I serve with this bisque?
It pairs well with crusty bread for dipping.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried pepper?
It uses freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
How much sweet potato is required?
The recipe requires 4 lbs of sweet potatoes.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, its hearty nature makes it a satisfying one-dish meal.