Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato is pure comfort in a bowl, blending creamy peanut butter, velvety sweet potatoes, and a warming kick of spice into something truly special. Each spoonful is rich and satisfying, with the gentle heat of chile, the natural sweetness of root vegetables, and a luscious texture that makes you want to go back for seconds (and thirds). If you crave cozy, bold flavors and soul-warming meals that are as nutritious as they are delicious, this recipe absolutely deserves a place in your kitchen rotation.

Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato is how a handful of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients come together to create deep, memorable flavors. Each item plays an essential role in shaping the soup’s taste, texture, or even its beautiful color—let’s break down what you’ll need and why.

Avocado or peanut oil: For a neutral, high-heat base that lets aromatics bloom without overpowering the soup’s flavor.
Shallots: Add a gentle sweetness and savory backbone, more nuanced than onions.
Garlic: Brings sharp, unmistakable depth and aroma to every bite.
Ancho chile powder: Delivers a smoky, mild heat that builds complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Sweet potatoes: The heart of the soup, lending creamy body and natural sweet notes that work beautifully with the spicy elements.
Vegetable broth: A flavorful liquid that dissolves and melds all the flavors together, making the soup robust yet light.
Peanut butter: The magic ingredient for creamy texture and that signature nutty flavor, making it both unique and irresistible.
Salt and pepper: Essential for elevating all the other ingredients and balancing sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
Chopped peanuts (for garnish): Bring crunch, color, and a final hit of peanutty goodness right before serving.

How to Make Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

To start, heat the avocado or peanut oil in a large, sturdy pot set over medium heat. Toss in your chopped shallots and garlic, letting them sizzle and soften for 3 to 4 minutes. The kitchen will fill with a rich, mouthwatering aroma—this step creates the deep foundation of flavor that will shine through in the finished soup.

Step 2: Spice Things Up and Add Sweet Potatoes

Sprinkle in the ancho chile powder, stirring briskly for about 30 seconds. The spices will toast gently, releasing their oils and deepening their color. Next, pile in the cubed sweet potatoes and pour over the vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir, then raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and let the pot work its magic for 20 to 25 minutes, until your sweet potatoes are meltingly tender.

Step 3: Blend for Creamy Perfection

Now comes the transformation: take an immersion blender and purée the soup right in the pot until it’s dreamy and smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully ladle the hot soup into a blender in batches—just take care, as hot liquids can expand quickly! This blending step gives the Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato its trademark silkiness.

Step 4: Stir in Peanut Butter and Season

With the soup all velvety, stir in a generous scoop of peanut butter. You’ll see the texture turn thick and creamy almost instantly. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to get the balance just right. Allow the soup to simmer for an extra five minutes so those flavors fully mingle and bloom.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato into bowls and finish each portion with a scattering of chopped peanuts. Serve it warm and don’t be surprised if you see smiles all around the table—this soup absolutely hits the spot!

How to Serve Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato

Garnishes

For the perfect finish, top each bowl of Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato with a handful of salty chopped peanuts. If you like, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a few thinly sliced green onions, or even a swirl of coconut cream to really make the colors pop and the flavors shine.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty on its own, but crusty bread, warm naan, or cooked rice make ideal sides for dunking and scooping. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a crisp, fresh balance to all that creamy, spicy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato in small mugs or shot glasses for an appetizer, with garnishes arranged buffet-style for guests to customize their own bowls. You could also ladle it over a scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice for an even heartier meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any remaining soup before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, and the flavors often deepen, making leftovers even more irresistible.

Freezing

Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, giving it a good stir to recombine the creamy elements. If it’s too thick after chilling or freezing, splash in a little water or broth until it returns to your desired consistency. Add fresh garnishes once hot.

FAQs

Can I make Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato nut-free?

Absolutely, though you’ll be swapping a signature flavor. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter and toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch on top.

How do I make the soup spicier or milder?

The heat is easy to adjust! Use more ancho chile powder, or add cayenne or fresh chilies for extra spice. To keep it mild, use the minimum amount of chile and focus on amplifying the peanut and sweet potato flavors.

What’s the best way to blend the soup?

An immersion blender is the easiest way—just blend right in the pot. If using a countertop blender, work in small batches and don’t overfill, since hot soup expands. Always start on low speed for safety.

Can I use another type of potato?

Sweet potatoes give this soup its vibrant color and gently sweet flavor, but you could substitute with butternut squash or even regular potatoes for a different twist, keeping in mind the flavor profile will shift.

Is Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use vegetable broth and check that your peanut butter and spices are free from additives, this soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Give Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato a try and let it become a new favorite in your cozy meal repertoire. It’s comforting, unique, and always a hit at the table—whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends. Happy cooking and enjoy every creamy, spicy spoonful!

Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the nutty richness of peanut butter, all infused with a hint of spice. It’s a perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté the Aromatics:

2 tablespoons avocado or peanut oil
2 shallots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Add the Spices and Sweet Potatoes:

1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
6 cups vegetable broth

Blend the Soup:

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Finish the Soup:

Chopped peanuts, for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the avocado or peanut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Add the Spices and Sweet Potatoes: Stir in the ancho chile powder and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Blend the Soup: Once the sweet potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
Finish the Soup: Stir in the peanut butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to fully combine the flavors.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped peanuts for a bit of crunch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering, Blending
Cuisine: International