I absolutely love this Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe because it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. The natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes and apples perfectly balances the creamy richness of coconut milk, making this soup both comforting and delightfully fresh. Whenever I want something nourishing but with a hint of sweetness that’s not overpowering, this is my go-to.
What makes this Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe truly special is how simple it is to whip up yet so elegant in flavor. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or need something soothing after a long day, you’ll find that this soup hits the spot. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies and fruit in one delicious bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet and Creamy: The combination of sweet potatoes, apples, and coconut milk creates a mellow, comforting flavor you’ll crave.
- Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients with straightforward steps means you can have dinner ready in under an hour.
- Perfect for Any Season: I love it hot in the winter, but it’s light enough to enjoy in the fall too.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily swap or add spices and garnishes for your personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe plays a role — from the subtle sweetness of fresh apples to the warm spices that bring everything together. When shopping, I recommend choosing firm sweet potatoes and a crunchy, tart apple for the best contrast in flavor and texture.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds depth and richness when sautéing the onions.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that softens nicely.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds warmth and subtle heat.
- Sweet potatoes: The heart of the soup — creamy, sweet, and filling.
- Apple: Adds a fresh, fruity brightness that balances the earthiness of sweet potatoes.
- Garlic cloves: For savory depth and a gentle pungency.
- Fresh ginger: Introduces a slight zing and aromatic warmth.
- Ground coriander: Brings a floral, citrusy note to the mix.
- Smoked paprika: Gives subtle smokiness and color.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brightens and rounds the flavors beautifully.
- Vegetable broth: The liquid base that ties everything together; homemade or store-bought works fine.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Provides that luscious creaminess and tropical flavor; reserve some for garnish.
Variations
I love how flexible this Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe is—you can definitely tweak the spices or swap ingredients to fit your mood or what’s in your pantry. Don’t hesitate to get creative; cooking should be fun and personalized!
- Add a kick: I sometimes sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or serve with a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
- Make it vegan or vegetarian: This recipe is naturally plant-based, but you can swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer something richer.
- Go nuts: For extra protein, I’ve topped the soup with toasted pepitas or even slivered almonds—adds a lovely crunch!
- Seasonal twist: Play with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon during colder months to warm things up further.
How to Make Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Season
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chopped yellow onion, a heaping teaspoon of sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Stir occasionally, letting the onions soften and become translucent—this typically takes around 5 to 8 minutes. I found that cooking the onions low and slow draws out their sweetness, which really builds the soup’s base flavor.
Step 2: Add Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Next, toss in your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes along with the peeled and chopped apple. Cook everything together for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften. The apple adds a lovely fruity sweetness that pairs so well with the earthiness of the sweet potatoes at this stage.
Step 3: Spice It Up and Add Liquids
Stir in the grated garlic, fresh ginger, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Let these fragrant spices toast for a minute or two to release their flavors. Then, pour in the apple cider vinegar followed by 3 cups of vegetable broth and almost all of the coconut milk (reserve a quarter cup for garnish). Bring everything to a boil before covering and reducing to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Let that soup bubble away gently for 20 to 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. This is a great time to clean up the kitchen or set the table. Just be sure not to rush this step because the slow simmer really helps meld all the complex flavors together.
Step 5: Blend and Season to Perfection
Once cooked, let the soup cool slightly before blending. I usually work in batches, pulsing the soup in a blender until it’s silky smooth. If it feels too thick, add up to 1 cup more broth to reach your preferred consistency. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Pour the soup into bowls and add a swirl of the reserved coconut milk. I love topping mine with crunchy pepitas, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat. Serve with crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop!
Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and grated garlic make a huge difference in creating a vibrant, fragrant soup.
- Don’t Skip the Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors and balances the natural sweetness beautifully.
- Blend in Batches: Blending the soup in smaller batches ensures a smoother texture and prevents blender overflow.
- Adjust Thickness Safely: Add broth gradually when thinning to avoid a watery soup.
How to Serve Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I love the texture pepitas add—they give a little crunch that contrasts the creamy soup perfectly. Fresh cilantro adds brightness, while Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes deliver a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds. A gentle swirl of reserved coconut milk not only looks pretty but adds an extra layer of creaminess.
Side Dishes
To make it a full meal, I often serve the soup with crusty artisan bread or garlic naan to soak up every delicious bite. A crisp green salad with tangy dressing pairs nicely if you want something fresh on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If I’m serving this soup for guests or a holiday meal, I sometimes ladle it into little hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive touch. You can also drizzle chili oil or swirl in a splash of lime juice for an unexpected flavor pop that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before reheating, I give it a good stir because some ingredients naturally settle. This soup holds up well without losing its creamy texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup several times with excellent results. Just cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It keeps well for about 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to restore that smooth consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming the soup slowly on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring regularly to keep it from sticking or separating. You can add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. This method really helps maintain the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh sweet potatoes are best for this recipe since they have a firmer texture and more vibrant flavor. Canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch, but the soup might turn out a bit sweeter and less creamy since canned ones often contain added ingredients and are softer.
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Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth and avoid any wheat-containing garnishes or sides.
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Can I make this soup spicy?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños during cooking or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes as a garnish works wonderfully to give it a kick.
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How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be thick and creamy but still pourable. If it’s too thick after blending, just add a little more broth until you reach the consistency you like.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s reliable, comforting, and feels a little special even when you’re busy. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s something so satisfying about blending those flavors into one smooth, cozy bowl. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a recipe you reach for again and again.
PrintSweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples with warming spices like ginger, coriander, and smoked paprika. Creamy coconut milk adds richness without dairy, while the apple cider vinegar provides a bright tang that balances the flavors. Garnished with pepitas, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal served alongside crusty bread.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 heaping teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1½ pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 to 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk, reserve ¼ cup for garnish
Garnishes and Serving Options
- Pepitas, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes, for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sea salt, and several grinds of fresh black pepper. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Cook sweet potatoes and apple: Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes along with the chopped apple to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add spices and liquids: Stir in the grated garlic, fresh ginger, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, followed by 3 cups of vegetable broth and the full-fat coconut milk. Mix well.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low to simmer. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Blend the soup: Allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it to a blender. Blend in batches until completely smooth. If the soup is too thick, gradually add up to 1 cup more vegetable broth and blend until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the soup garnished with a swirl of reserved coconut milk, pepitas, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes if desired. Accompany with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the apple with pear for a slightly different sweetness.
- Use low-fat coconut milk if you prefer a lighter soup, but this will affect the creaminess.
- To make this soup vegan and gluten-free, ensure the vegetable broth and bread served are compliant.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for an extra zing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg