Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup
Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. This comforting soup combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup. First and foremost, it’s a nutrient-rich meal that showcases the lovely qualities of sweet potatoes, which are packed with vitamins and fiber. They offer a natural sweetness that blends beautifully with savory ingredients, making this soup a crowd-pleaser.
In addition to being delicious and healthy, this soup is incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a warming dish in no time. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe has you covered.
How to Make Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for roasting
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until tender.
- In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the roasted sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and oregano to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunky texture, blend only half of the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Pro Tips for Success with Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup
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Roasting the Sweet Potatoes: Ensure that the sweet potatoes are well-coated in olive oil before roasting. This not only enhances their flavor but also helps in achieving that perfect tender texture.
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Blending Options: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just remember to allow some steam to escape to avoid pressure buildup.
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Seasoning Matters: The key to any great soup is seasoning. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust salt and pepper levels before serving.
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Let it Simmer: Allowing the flavors to develop by simmering the soup for at least 15 minutes is crucial. This brings out the best in the thyme and oregano that you add.
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Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs for garnish, as they enhance the appearance and taste of the soup.
Flavor Variations for Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it simmers for a subtle spicy flavor.
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Creamy Texture: For a richer soup, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream just before blending.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to create unique flavor profiles.
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Lentil Addition: For an extra protein boost, add cooked lentils during the simmering stage. They blend seamlessly and enhance the overall texture.
Serving Suggestions for Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup
Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. Consider serving it with a simple arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, add a side of grilled cheese sandwiches or garlic toast.
Garnishing the soup with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the overall presentation and flavor.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup
This soup stores wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep! You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container.
If you’re looking to save some for later, you can freeze portions of the soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. The soup can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove until warm.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|———–|———-|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
FAQ About Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh sweet potatoes deliver the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before using, and adjust cooking times accordingly, as they are already cooked.
How can I make this soup vegan-friendly?
This recipe is already vegan! Ensuring that you use vegetable broth helps maintain this friendly status. Just check any store-bought broths, as some may contain animal products.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, transfer it to freezer-safe containers to freeze for up to three months.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! If you prefer a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken or Italian sausage. Simply cook the meat separately and stir it in during the simmering step to incorporate the flavors.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check any store-bought broths for potential gluten ingredients if you have allergies.
Final Thoughts
Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup is a wonderful addition to your recipe repertoire. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and highly adaptable to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night at home, this soup is sure to warm you from the inside out. So gather those ingredients and get cooking—you’ll be delighted with the comforting goodness of this dish. Enjoy!
Print
Savory Italian Sweet Potato Soup
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delightful blend of sweet potatoes with aromatic herbs, this soup is perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for roasting
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until tender.
- In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the roasted sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and oregano to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunky texture, blend only half of the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Roasting sweet potatoes enhances their flavor. Adjust seasoning to your preference for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
