Understanding the Key Spices for Your Soup

The spices you choose play a crucial role in the taste of your soup. Fresh ginger is a key ingredient that lends a zesty warmth, making it perfect for creating a spicy sweet potato soup. Not only does it enhance flavor, but it also adds a depth that is hard to resist.

Next, I prefer adding chili for a kick. Using lazy chili from a jar simplifies the process. This option is preserved in vinegar, allowing for manageable heat control with just a spoonful. Alternatively, if you desire a more intense flavor, fresh chilies are great but be cautious with the seeds, as these are where the heat is concentrated.

If chili isn’t to your taste, don’t worry! Replace it with black pepper, which can elevate the flavor of your soup without any spice.

Choosing Between Passata or Tomato Alternatives

When preparing this soup, you can opt for passata, a pureed tomato sauce known by this name in the UK, Canada, and Australia. In the USA, it’s referred to as strained tomatoes or tomato puree, which can cause some confusion. This delicious addition works seamlessly in your spicy sweet potato soup, enriching its flavor.

If passata isn’t available, canned tomatoes can serve as a suitable alternative. They provide similar acidity and a rich tomato flavor, essential for a well-rounded soup.

Should You Peel Your Sweet Potatoes?

Another choice you’ll make is whether to peel your sweet potatoes. If they’re organic, I recommend leaving the skins on to retain more nutrients. Sweet potato skins usually soften during cooking, providing additional texture and flavor to the soup.

Conversely, if your sweet potatoes are not organic, peeling them can be a good practice to avoid pesticides. Ultimately, it’s a personal preference whether to peel or keep the skins.

What Exactly is Creamed Coconut?

Creamed coconut is made from pure coconut and is widely available in the UK. This creamy ingredient adds a rich coconut flavor that takes the overall taste of your soup to a higher level. It’s a fantastic addition to this recipe, making the soup’s texture luxuriously smooth and creamy.

If you’re curious about the differences in coconut products, I’ve written a detailed article on creamed coconut versus coconut milk and coconut cream.

Ingredients Required for Your Spicy Sweet Potato Soup

• 1kg (35oz) sweet potato
• 500ml passata (or tinned tomatoes)
• 750ml water
• 1 can chickpeas (or 1 cup)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• ½ teaspoon chili (from a jar)
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 35g (approx) creamed coconut block
• Fresh parsley to garnish

Simple Preparation Method for Your Soup

1. For a quick visual guide, refer to the video below.
2. You may choose to peel sweet potatoes or keep the skins. Chop them into small cubes to ensure even cooking.
3. Finely grate your fresh ginger to enhance the flavor.
4. Combine all ingredients except coconut and parsley in a large pot. A 3-liter (5-pint) pot is ideal. Bring to a boil with the lid on and then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the sweet potato cubes can be pierced easily with a fork.
5. Chop the creamed coconut into small pieces and add it near the end of cooking for maximum flavor.
6. Once everything is cooked, use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy your meal!