Description
This creamy and cozy Sweet Potato Chowder is a comforting and hearty soup perfect for chilly days. Packed with nutritious sweet potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and a touch of smoky paprika, this chowder is rich in flavor and texture. It’s made creamy with milk or a dairy-free alternative, and can be customized with optional ingredients like cheddar cheese, fresh greens, and beans for added protein. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this soup warms your soul and satisfies your hunger with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 500g), peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Creamy and Add-ins
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk)
- 1 cup frozen corn (or fresh if in season)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne or hot sauce (for spice, optional)
- 1–2 cups chopped spinach or kale (optional for added greens)
- White beans or lentils (optional for added protein)
Garnish
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices slightly, enhancing their flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15–20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Blend for Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier chowder, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, leaving some chunks intact for texture.
- Add Milk and Corn: Stir in the milk (or dairy-free alternative) and corn. Simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chowder and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne/hot sauce if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chowder hot, garnished with chopped fresh chives or green onions for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk like oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adding white beans or lentils can increase the protein content and make the chowder more filling.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Fresh spinach or kale can be stirred in towards the end of cooking for added greens.
- If you prefer a thicker chowder, blend more of the soup or reduce the broth slightly.
