Comforting Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato Recipe

Warm & Cozy Comforting Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato Recipe

Creamy and rich peanut soup with sweet potato brings a warm embrace to cold evenings.

Nutty aromas fill the kitchen with promises of delightful comfort.

African-inspired flavors dance through this hearty soup’s silky texture.

Tender sweet potatoes merge perfectly with smooth peanut butter, creating a luxurious blend.

Bold spices whisper hints of complex culinary traditions from west African kitchens.

Each spoonful offers a deeply satisfying experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Prepare to savor every delectable moment of this extraordinary soup.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 4

Sweet Potato Peanut Soup: What’s in It

For Aromatics and Spices:
  • Olive Oil: Provides silky base for sautéing and adds subtle richness.
  • Onion: Builds foundational savory depth and sweetness for the soup.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor and aromatic complexity.
  • Ginger: Brings warm, zesty kick and digestive health benefits.
  • Jalapeno: Introduces fresh, spicy heat with vibrant green pepper notes.
  • Cumin: Adds earthy, smoky undertone with warm Mexican-inspired essence.
  • Coriander: Contributes bright, citrusy nuance with gentle herbal hints.
  • Cinnamon: Introduces subtle warmth and unexpected sweet-spicy dimension.
  • Cayenne: Creates bold, intense heat that elevates overall soup profile.
For Vegetables and Liquids:
  • Sweet Potato: Delivers creamy texture, natural sweetness, and hearty nutrition.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Provides crisp texture and bright, sweet pepper flavor.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds tangy acidity and rich, smooth tomato base.
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates liquid foundation with balanced vegetable essence.
  • Peanut Butter: Generates rich, nutty creaminess and protein-packed smoothness.
  • Tomato Paste: Intensifies umami depth and concentrated tomato character.
For Finishing and Garnish:
  • Kale or Spinach: Introduces nutrient-dense greens with earthy, mineral flavor.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens entire dish with fresh, zesty citrus punch.
  • Chopped Peanuts: Adds delightful crunch and complementary nutty texture.
  • Cilantro: Provides fresh,.

Tools for Making Sweet Potato Peanut Soup

  • Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup, with enough space for all ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and herbs.
  • Sharp knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: Help accurately measure spices like cumin and cayenne.
  • Measuring cups: Useful for portioning broth, peanut butter, and other liquid ingredients.
  • Ladle: Great for serving the soup into individual bowls.

Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Steps

  • Awaken the Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a hefty soup pot, inviting onions to dance and soften. Welcome garlic, ginger, and jalapeño to join the flavor party for a quick sizzle.

  • Sprinkle Spice Symphony

Dust the pan with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a whisper of cayenne. Tumble sweet potatoes and red bell pepper into the spice whirlwind, coating each morsel.

  • Liquid Gold Transformation

Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, creamy peanut butter, and tomato paste. Stir until the peanut butter melts into a velvety embrace.

  • Gentle Bubbling

Let the soup crescendo to a boil, then lower the heat for a tranquil simmer. Watch sweet potatoes transform to tender perfection in 20-25 minutes.

  • Green Burst and Final Flourish

Fold chopped kale or spinach into the soup, letting it wilt gracefully. Splash with bright lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

  • Serve with Flair

Ladle into waiting bowls. Crown with crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and zesty green onions. Pair with rice or quinoa for a complete culinary adventure.

Enhance Flavor in Sweet Potato Soup

  • Creamy Peanut Magic
  • Blend half the soup for an ultra-creamy consistency while keeping some chunky vegetables for delightful texture contrast.
  • Adjust cayenne and jalapeño quantities to match your heat tolerance, making the soup mild or fiery hot according to personal preference.
  • Easily transform this vegetarian soup by adding shredded chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for extra protein and more substantial meal experience.
  • Make this soup gluten-free by using certified gluten-free vegetable broth and confirming peanut butter ingredients are safe for sensitive diets.
  • Roast sweet potatoes before adding to soup for deeper, caramelized undertones that elevate the overall taste profile and add rich complexity.

Pairing and Serving Sweet Potato Soup

  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over the soup for an extra crispy texture that adds delightful crunch and rich, earthy flavor.
  • Grain Companion: Serve alongside fluffy jasmine rice or protein-packed quinoa to create a complete and satisfying meal that soaks up the spicy, creamy broth.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Garnish with vibrant chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions to brighten the soup's deep, warming flavors and add a pop of fresh color.
  • Lime Zest Drizzle: Squeeze fresh lime juice on top just before serving to introduce a tangy brightness that cuts through the soup's rich, creamy peanut base.

Storing and Prepping Sweet Potato Soup

  • Keep your spicy peanut soup delicious and safe with these smart strategies.
  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4-5 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid adding kale or spinach before freezing; stir in fresh greens when reheating for best results.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick. Stir in fresh greens during the last few minutes of heating to keep them vibrant and tender.
  • Chop vegetables and measure spices in advance. Store prepped ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making weeknight cooking faster and easier.
Print
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Comforting Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato Recipe

Comforting Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty “spicy peanut soup with sweet potato” blends West African culinary traditions with comforting warmth. Creamy sweet potatoes and bold spices create a soul-satisfying meal that brings global flavors directly to your table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 medium)
  • 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • ½ cup (128 g) natural creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Roasted peanuts, chopped
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Cooked rice or quinoa (to serve)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Warm olive oil in a spacious soup pot over medium heat. Gently caramelize onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced jalapeño, allowing their fragrances to bloom for one minute.
  2. Spice Integration: Sprinkle cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne into the aromatic base. Fold in diced sweet potatoes and red bell pepper, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the vibrant spice mixture.
  3. Liquid Foundation: Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, creamy peanut butter, and tomato paste. Whisk continuously until the peanut butter completely dissolves, creating a smooth, harmonious liquid.
  4. Simmering Stage: Elevate heat to trigger a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a soft simmer. Allow the soup to bubble gently for 20-25 minutes, transforming sweet potatoes into tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels.
  5. Verdant Finish: Incorporate chopped kale or spinach, letting the greens wilt and infuse their earthy essence. Brighten the soup with a splash of lime juice, then calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Presentation: Ladle the vibrant soup into serving bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions. Optional: Accompany with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne and jalapeño according to personal heat tolerance. Start with smaller amounts and gradually increase for controlled spiciness.
  • Whisk peanut butter separately before adding to prevent clumping. Use smooth, natural peanut butter for best texture and authentic flavor.
  • Cut sweet potatoes and bell peppers into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the soup.
  • Add kale or spinach at the last moment to preserve nutrients, color, and prevent overcooking. Spinach wilts faster than kale, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: African

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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