Introduction
This delightful soup combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich creaminess of coconut milk and the crunch of peanuts, resulting in a comforting and nutritious dish. The addition of spices like curry and turmeric enhances the flavor profile, making it a wonderful choice for a cozy dinner, especially during chilly evenings.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small to medium onion, diced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted or petite diced tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
2 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sweet curry powder
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen chopped kale
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
This delightful soup is nourishing and easy to make. Perfectly paired with crusty bread, it is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your appetite. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures while savoring this wholesome meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onion
Heat the olive oil in a heavy soup pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Cook the onion until it is lightly browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Add Sweet Potatoes
Incorporate the cubed sweet potatoes into the pot with the browned onions. Stir the sweet potatoes and cook them until they become lightly browned, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir it in with the sweet potatoes and onions. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, which will take approximately 1 minute.
Step 4: Incorporate Spices
Add the curry powder and turmeric to the mixture. Stir well and continue to cook until the spices release their fragrance, which should take about a minute.
Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the fire-roasted or petite diced tomatoes, coconut milk, chicken stock, salt, and chopped peanuts. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a simmer. Once simmering, continue to cook uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Add Peanut Butter and Kale
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, add the peanut butter and the frozen chopped kale to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer until the soup is thick and creamy, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Garnishing Suggestions
Garnish the soup with extra chopped peanuts and/or chopped fresh cilantro if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup warm, accompanied by bread on the side for a wholesome meal.
Cook techniques
Sauteing
Sauteing is a technique where food is cooked quickly in a small amount of oil over relatively high heat. In this recipe, you begin by sauteing diced onions until they are lightly browned, which enhances their sweetness and flavor.
Braising
Braising involves cooking food slowly in a minimal amount of liquid. This dish simmers the sweet potatoes and other ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld together while ensuring the sweet potatoes become tender.
Infusing
Infusing is the process of adding flavor to a dish by cooking aromatic ingredients like spices and garlic in oil. Here, you infuse the olive oil with garlic and spices, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Simmering
Simmering is cooking food gently in liquid at a low temperature. The soup is simmered after adding tomatoes, coconut milk, and chicken stock, which helps to combine and deepen the flavors while allowing the sweet potatoes to soften.
Thickening
Thickening is a technique that modifies the consistency of a dish. In this recipe, the addition of peanut butter contributes a creamy texture, giving the soup a rich and hearty feel.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the final step in preparing dishes to enhance presentation. In this soup, garnishing with chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro adds visual appeal and additional flavor.
FAQ
Can I substitute the olive oil with another type of oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil, depending on your preference.
What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?
You can use regular potatoes, butternut squash, or carrots as alternatives, keeping in mind that the cooking time may vary.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes, to make this dish vegan, ensure that you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Can I use fresh kale instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh kale; just be sure to chop it and add it to the soup a bit earlier to ensure it cooks down properly.
How can I adjust the spice level of the soup?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or fewer red pepper flakes, or even omit them for a milder flavor.
What can I serve alongside this soup?
This soup pairs well with warm bread, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This hearty soup combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of coconut milk and the crunch of peanuts, creating a delightful one-pot meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. The use of spices adds depth and warmth, making it perfect for any occasion.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Transform the sweet potato mixture into a filling for soft corn or flour tortillas, adding black beans for protein and topping with avocado, salsa, and cilantro.
Curried Sweet Potato and Quinoa Bowl
Serve the soup over cooked quinoa for a nourishing grain bowl. Top with extra chopped peanuts and a drizzle of lime juice for brightness.
Kale and Peanut Salad
Utilize the frozen chopped kale by tossing it with sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and a peanut dressing made from peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice for a crisp side salad.
Chili Coconut Sweet Potato Skewers
Marinate cubed sweet potatoes in a mixture of coconut milk, curry powder, and chili flakes, then grill them on skewers until charred and tender for a smoky side dish.
Vegetable Coconut Curry
Add more vegetables like bell peppers and carrots to the soup and allow them to simmer alongside the sweet potatoes for a colorful and nutritious vegetarian curry.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Use creamy peanut butter to make a smoothie by blending it with ripe bananas, almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder for a quick breakfast or snack option.
