If you are craving a soul-warming, hearty bowl that strikes the perfect balance between comforting creaminess and natural sweetness, this Sweet Potato Chowder (Perfect Creamy Soup) Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It brings together luscious sweet potatoes, tender veggies, and a subtle smoky undertone, all swirled into a velvety soup that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking to impress friends with a wholesome dish, this chowder is pure magic in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each add a unique touch to the chowder’s flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the sweetness of the potatoes to the creaminess that rounds everything out, this list is approachable and kitchen-friendly.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base to sauté the aromatics and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Small onion, diced: Builds a sweet and savory foundation that enhances all the other flavors.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant warmth that awakens the senses with every spoonful.
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: The star ingredient offering natural sweetness and creamy texture when cooked down.
- Carrot, diced: Adds a gentle earthiness and brightens the color palette.
- Celery stalks, diced: Introduces a subtle herbal bite and crunchy freshness to balance the softness.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a wonderful smoky depth that elevates the chowder’s complexity.
- Dried thyme: A woodsy herb that adds layers of savory flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that transforms the veggies into a luscious soup.
- Corn kernels: Sweet bursts of texture that brighten each bite.
- Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: For that irresistibly creamy finish, making the chowder smooth and satisfying.
- Optional red pepper flakes: A touch of heat for those who love a little spice.
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish: Adds color and fresh herbal notes to the final presentation.
How to Make Sweet Potato Chowder (Perfect Creamy Soup) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just long enough to become aromatic—about 30 seconds—being careful not to let it burn. This step lays a savory foundation that warms up your kitchen and your soul.
Step 2: Build the Vegetable Base
Next, add the diced sweet potatoes, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes so the spices can coat the veggies and wake up their natural sweetness and earthiness. This stage is crucial—it’s where the depth of flavor really starts to come alive.
Step 3: Simmer the Chowder
Pour in the broth and raise the heat until the soup comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender enough to mash easily with a fork. The simmering melds the flavors together and softens everything to a perfect tenderness.
Step 4: Blend for Creamy Texture
To achieve that luscious creaminess essential to our Sweet Potato Chowder (Perfect Creamy Soup) Recipe, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup right in the pot. If you don’t have one, blend half of the soup in batches in a blender, then pour it back into the pot. This technique creates a delightful balance between smooth creaminess and chunky veggie goodness.
Step 5: Final Touches
Stir in the corn kernels and your choice of heavy cream or coconut milk. Let the chowder simmer for a final 5 minutes to meld all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Chowder (Perfect Creamy Soup) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a burst of color and fresh flavor that brighten the bowl and complement the rich chowder perfectly. A small pinch of red pepper flakes on top also adds a nice pop of spice and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This chowder pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or cheesy garlic toast for dipping. A light, crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture, making it a balanced meal for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chowder in rustic bowls and garnish with a swirl of cream or coconut milk. Adding a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds or a dash of smoked paprika on top can create an inviting, restaurant-quality look, perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover chowder into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic meal for busy weekdays.
Freezing
You can easily freeze this soup for longer storage. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Sweet Potato Chowder (Perfect Creamy Soup) Recipe gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too, just heat in short bursts and stir in between.
FAQs
Can I make this chowder vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. This keeps the soup creamy and delicious while making it entirely plant-based.
What if I don’t have fresh corn?
No worries at all. Frozen or canned corn works beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to drain canned corn well and add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its texture.
Can I add protein to this chowder?
Definitely. Adding cooked bacon, sausage, or even white beans can boost the protein content and make the chowder even heartier. Stir these in during the final steps just to warm through.
How thick should the chowder be?
The chowder should be thick and creamy but still spoonable, not too runny or overly dense. Blending half the soup helps create that perfect balance between rich creaminess and satisfying chunks of veggies.
Can I prepare parts of this ahead of time?
You can chop the vegetables a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. The actual cooking process takes about 30 minutes, making this chowder a great option for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of this Sweet Potato Chowder (Perfect Creamy Soup) Recipe. It’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and beautifully creamy without being heavy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this chowder delivers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the first taste!
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Sweet Potato Chowder (Perfect Creamy Soup) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Potato Chowder is a comforting and creamy soup perfect for cooler days. This recipe features tender sweet potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices simmered in broth, finished with a splash of cream or coconut milk for richness. It’s a hearty, naturally sweet, and satisfying dish that can easily be made vegetarian or vegan.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Spices
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
Additional
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the aromas.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, carrot, and celery. Season with smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes to coat the vegetables in the spices and build flavor.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy but chunky texture. Alternatively, blend half of the soup in a blender until smooth and return it to the pot.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the corn kernels and heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using, for a spicy kick. Serve hot.
Notes
- This chowder is naturally sweet and hearty, making it a perfect comfort food.
- For added protein, consider stirring in cooked bacon, sausage, or white beans before serving.
- To make the recipe vegan, use vegetable broth and substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth if the chowder becomes too thick upon standing.
