Hearty Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Recipe

Soul-Warming Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort and warmth blend seamlessly in this delightful sweet potato peanut soup recipe that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Each spoonful carries a rich, creamy texture that dances between sweet and savory flavors.

West African culinary traditions inspire this soul-warming dish, creating a perfect balance of nutrients and taste.

Fragrant spices mingle with smooth peanut butter, creating a symphony of robust ingredients.

Packed with wholesome sweet potatoes and protein-rich legumes, this soup delivers a nutritional powerhouse in every bowl.

The vibrant orange hue hints at the deliciousness waiting to be savored.

You’ll find this recipe both nourishing and incredibly satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal.

Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Cooking Steps

  • Kick Off the Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a big pot and dance some chopped onions around until they’re soft and golden. Toss in garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, and cayenne for a spicy aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Build the Soup's Foundation

Drop sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and vegetable broth into the pot. Let everything bubble and simmer until the sweet potatoes surrender and become super tender.

  • Create Creamy Smoothness

Take the pot off the heat and transform your soup into silky goodness using an immersion blender. Swirl in peanut butter until it melts completely, creating a rich and velvety texture.

  • Final Flourish

Invite kale or spinach to join the party, letting the greens gently wilt into the soup. Squeeze fresh lime juice for a bright finish, then season with salt and pepper until the flavors sing.

Flavor Tweaks & Tips for Peanut Soup

  • Use an immersion blender for ultra-smooth texture without transferring hot soup between containers, reducing mess and potential burns.
  • Adjust cayenne and paprika levels to control heat intensity, making the soup mild for sensitive palates or fiery for spice lovers.
  • Enhance the soup by adding cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for extra protein and a heartier meal.
  • Ensure the soup remains vegan by using natural peanut butter without added dairy or animal products, perfect for plant-based diets.
  • Top with roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, or a swirl of coconut milk for added texture and visual appeal that elevates the soup's presentation.

Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Serving Ideas

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the soup in deep, wide bowls that showcase its vibrant orange color and creamy texture. Garnish with a swirl of extra peanut butter for richness.
  • Protein Power Topping: Sprinkle roasted peanuts, crispy chickpeas, or shredded rotisserie chicken on top to add crunch and extra protein for a more substantial meal.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Scatter chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or a handful of microgreens over the soup to brighten the flavors and add a pop of fresh color. A light drizzle of hot sauce can give an extra kick for spice lovers.
  • African-Inspired Side: Pair with warm cornbread, flatbread, or injera to soak up the delicious soup and create a complete, satisfying dining experience that honors the soup's global flavor profile.

Save or Store Your Sweet Potato Peanut Soup

  • Keep soup in airtight containers, lasting 4-5 days in refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm soup gradually on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of vegetable broth if soup thickens during storage.
  • Chop fresh toppings like cilantro, green onions, or extra peanuts just before serving. Store separately in sealed containers to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess when added to soup.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything for Sweet Potato Peanut Soup

For Aromatics and Spices:
  • Onion: Builds a rich, savory foundation with sweet undertones.
  • Garlic: Adds a warm, pungent depth to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Ginger: Provides a zesty, warming kick with subtle heat.
  • Cumin: Brings earthy, smoky notes that complement the sweet potato.
  • Paprika: Introduces a mild, sweet pepper warmth.
  • Cayenne: Delivers a subtle, fiery background heat.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavors.
For Base and Liquid:
  • Olive Oil: Creates a silky cooking base with heart-healthy benefits.
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides a light, nutritious liquid foundation.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens the soup with a tangy, refreshing finish.
For Main Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Offers creamy sweetness and vibrant orange color.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and texture to the soup.
  • Peanut Butter: Creates a luxurious, nutty creaminess.
  • Kale or Spinach: Boosts nutritional value with fresh, green goodness.

Tools for Sweet Potato Peanut Soup

  • Large pot: Essential for sautéing base ingredients and simmering soup.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and ginger.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for precise vegetable prep.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Immersion blender: Quickly blends soup to smooth consistency right in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices like cumin and paprika.
  • Measuring cups: Useful for portioning broth and other liquid ingredients.
  • Optional blender: Alternative to immersion blender for pureeing soup if needed.
Print
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Hearty Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Recipe

Hearty Sweet Potato Peanut Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty sweet potato peanut soup blends African-inspired flavors into a creamy, comforting culinary journey. Rich with warm spices and nutty undertones, this nourishing bowl promises a delightful experience that connects you to global culinary traditions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • ½ cup (128 g) natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional, for extra greens)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature. Gently sauté onions until translucent and softened. Introduce garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, and cayenne, stirring briefly to unleash their aromatic essence.
  2. Liquid Transformation: Incorporate sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth into the pot. Elevate heat to generate a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow ingredients to meld and sweet potatoes to become supremely tender, approximately 20 minutes.
  3. Creamy Fusion: Remove from heat source. Utilize an immersion blender to transform the mixture into a silky-smooth consistency. Fold in peanut butter, ensuring complete integration and adjusting liquid volume for optimal texture.
  4. Final Embellishment: Introduce kale or spinach, permitting the greens to gracefully wilt into the soup. Brighten the profile with a splash of lime juice, then calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference. Serve hot and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.

Notes

  • Choose firm, smooth sweet potatoes without blemishes for best texture and flavor; dice uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent soup consistency.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat tolerance; start with less and incrementally add to achieve desired spiciness without overwhelming the soup’s balanced flavor profile.
  • When transferring hot soup to blender, fill only halfway and remove center lid cap, covering with towel to prevent pressure buildup and potential splashing; blend in small batches for smoother results.
  • Ensure peanut butter is at room temperature and stirred thoroughly to prevent clumping; use creamy varieties for silkier texture or natural peanut butter for more authentic, less processed taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: African

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 7 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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