Sweet Potato Soup I

Sweet Potato Soup I Recipe - Onion, Sweet Potatoes, Lentils, Chicken

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Sweet Potato Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the heartiness of lentils to create a satisfying and flavorful soup.

History

Sweet Potato Soup has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Sweet potatoes are native to the Americas and have been a staple food for indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The combination of sweet potatoes and lentils in a soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that has been enjoyed by generations.

Ingredients

1 large onion
3-4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces
1 cup orange lentils
Pareve chicken soup powder, to taste

How to prepare

Fry the onion.
Place the fried onions, pieces of sweet potatoes, and lentils into a soup pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
Add the soup mix and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft enough to mash.
Cool the mixture and purée it.
Heat the soup before serving.

Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor.
Top the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess.
Stir in some cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to fry the onions until they are caramelized to add depth of flavor to the soup.

- Puréeing the soup after cooking will give it a smooth and creamy texture.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more soup mix if desired for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sweet Potato Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup until the sweet potatoes are soft enough to mash for a smooth and creamy texture.

- Purée the soup in a blender or food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup powder for a vegetarian option.

- Substitute butternut squash for sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This Sweet Potato Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a handful of toasted nuts for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this Sweet Potato Soup with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sweet Potato Soup contains approximately 200 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Sweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy and fiber. Lentils also contain carbohydrates, making this soup a filling and satisfying meal.

Fats

This Sweet Potato Soup is low in fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

Lentils are a good source of plant-based protein, making this soup a great option for vegetarians or those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Lentils are a good source of iron, folate, and magnesium. This soup is packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, be sure to check the ingredients in the soup mix for any potential allergens.

Summary

Sweet Potato Soup is a nutritious and delicious meal option that is low in fat, high in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the heartiness of lentils to create a satisfying and flavorful soup that is sure to please. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Sweet Potato Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, with the leaves changing colors and a slight chill in the air. I was visiting a small farmers market in a quaint little town, browsing through the stalls filled with fresh produce and homemade goods.

As I made my way through the market, I came across a stand run by an elderly woman with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. She had a pot of soup simmering on a small camp stove, filling the air with the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs. Curious, I approached her stand and struck up a conversation.

The woman, whose name was Mrs. Thompson, was more than happy to share the recipe for her Sweet Potato Soup with me. She explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. Mrs. Thompson spoke fondly of her memories of making this soup with her grandmother, and how it had always been a family favorite.

I listened intently as she walked me through the ingredients and the method of preparation. The key, she said, was to roast the sweet potatoes until they were caramelized and tender, then blend them with a mixture of spices and broth to create a rich and flavorful soup. She also shared a few tips and tricks she had picked up over the years, such as adding a splash of cream at the end to give the soup a velvety smooth texture.

After thanking Mrs. Thompson for her generosity, I purchased a few sweet potatoes from her stand and headed home to try out the recipe for myself. As I chopped, roasted, and blended the ingredients together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to Mrs. Thompson and her grandmother. It was as if I had been let in on a family secret, passed down from one generation to the next.

When the soup was finally ready, I sat down at the table and took a sip. The flavors were exquisite - the sweetness of the potatoes balanced perfectly with the earthy spices and the creamy texture. It was like a warm hug in a bowl, comforting and nourishing.

From that day on, Sweet Potato Soup became a staple in my kitchen. I would make a big batch on chilly evenings, serving it with a crusty loaf of bread and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It quickly became a favorite among my family and friends, who would always request it whenever they came over for dinner.

As the years went by, I continued to make Sweet Potato Soup, each time adding my own little twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would throw in a handful of roasted garlic for extra flavor, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. But no matter how many variations I tried, the essence of the soup remained the same - a warm and comforting dish that brought people together around the table.

Looking back now, I realize that the recipe for Sweet Potato Soup is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. It is a piece of culinary history, a link to the past that connects me to generations of cooks who came before me. And every time I make a pot of this soup, I am reminded of Mrs. Thompson and her grandmother, and the bond that we share through our love of good food and family traditions.

So here it is, my version of Sweet Potato Soup, inspired by Mrs. Thompson and her family recipe. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I have, and that it will bring you the same sense of warmth and connection that it has brought to me over the years. Bon appétit!