What could be better than hot soup on a cold winter day? Or any day for that matter. I do tend to not have it as much in the summer though. A chilly, rainy day calls for a soup simmering in a big pot on the stove. The hardest part is deciding which one to make. Creamy? Broth-y? Ham stock? Chicken stock? Tomato-y? Decisions, decisions. When the temperature dropped recently, I thought of one I had been wanting to make for a long time - Spicy Sweet Potato and Corn Soup.
I never heard of sweet potato soup until a couple of years ago. You would think differently because of me growing up in the South and how sweet potatoes are so commonly used. It is probably because I've only had them sweet like baked ones with butter and cinnamon sugar on top, candied, or the quintessential casserole. Savory sweet potato recipes didn't exist as far as I knew. Then one day I saw a spicy sweet potato soup on a menu and decided to give it a try. Wow. Savory, creamy-like, and with a kick of heat from peppers and spices. Yes, it went on my to-cook list immediately. It only took a couple of years for me to finally get around to making it.
A couple of notes about the spicy part. You can make it to your own degree of spicy. Like it hot? Add more jalapeno peppers or increase the amount of the cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce. Prefer it mild? Cut down on the jalapenos and spices. You can always add more if it is not spicy enough. Oh, and I chopped the jalapenos to about the same size as corn kernels. I thought it gave an even texture and easier to for pepper heat sensitive people to handle. Biting/chewing on a big chunk of jalapeno could be too much for some folks.
How about some more soup recipes? Oh yea! It's a Souper Sunday Supper and we have a whole bunch to share. There are all kinds including chicken, beef, pork, seafood, vegetable, and chilled soups:
Do The Chicken Dance (chicken {or other poultry} soups)
- Chicken Tortellini & White Bean Soup at Flour On My Face
- Chicken Gnocchi at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Chicken Cheese Soup by There and Back Again
- Chicken Tortellini Soup by Country Girl In The Village
- Chicken Soup with Leeks, Onions and Fennel by Shockingly Delicious
- Family Style Tablescape featuring Chicken Tortilla Soup by An Appealing Plan
- Yucatan Chicken Lime Soup (Sopa de Lima) by The Weekend Gourmet
- Chicken Meatball, Spinach and Orzo Soup from Gourmet Drizzles
- Ground Turkey Soup at The Messy Baker
- Cheesy Chipotle Chicken Sausage Chowder by Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Chick-Fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup by Family Foodie
- Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup at Cupcakes and Pearls
- Turkey Smoked Sauage and Wild Rice Soup at Mama, Mommy, Mom
Where's The Beef (Beef Soups)
- Chili with Black Beans by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Vegetable and Beef Soup by Supper For a Steal
- Swabian Beef Spaetzle +1 Soup (Gaisburger Marsch) at Galactosemia in PDX
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
- Beef Pho Soup by No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Frijol con Carne by MarocMama
- Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef and Noodle Soup) by Neighborfood
Pass The Pork. Please (Pork or Sausage Soups)
- Healthy Bean and Sausage Soup by Momma's Meals
- Louisiana Caldo by Catholic Foodie
- Soft Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae) by Hip Foodie Mom
Under The Sea (Seafood Soups)
- Shrimp Miso Noodle Soup at Pescetarian Journal
- Szechuan Fish Soup by The Urban Mrs.
- New England Clam Chowder at Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Hearty Okra Shrimp Gumbo Laced with Coconut Oil by Sue's Nutrition Buzz
- Bacon and Shrimp Bisque at Big Bear's Wife
- Lobster Bisque for Two by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Chinese Fish Maw Soup by My Trials in The Kitchen
- Thai Curry Coconut Mussel Soup by Noshing With The Nolands
Eat Your Veggies (Chock Full o' Vegetables Soups)
- Not-So-Mini-Strone at The Foodie Army Wife
- French Onion Soup by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Spicy Sweet Potato and Corn Soup at Magnolia Days
- Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup at Daily Dish Recipes
- Rather French Onion Soup by What Smells So Good?
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup by Hezzi D's Books and Cooks
- Cream of Ancho Chile Soup from La Cocina de Leslie
- Pasta e Fagoli Soup at Cravings of a Lunatic
- Miso Soup by Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Vegetable Consommé with Semolina Dumplings - Grießknödel at Masala Herb
- Vegetable Medley Soup with Broccoli and Leeks at Chattering Kitchen
- Smoky Kale and Tomato Soup with Garlic Croutons by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Coconut Corn Chowder at Mangoes and Chutney
- Make Your Own (Gluten Free) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup at The Meltaways
- Ital Carrot & Sweet Potato Soup at The Lovely Pantry
- Chunky Vegetable and Barley Soup at Curious Cuisiniere
- Corn Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips at Ninja Baking
- Jalapeno Beer Cheese Soup by The Hand That Rocks The Ladle
- Wild Mushroom Soup at Food Lust People Love
- Creamy Carrot Soup at Cookistry
- Vermicelli Soup by Damn Delicious
- Country Split Pea Soup with Bacon and Potatoes at girlichef
Some Don't Like It Hot (Chilled Soups)
- Chilled Strawberry Soup at Juanita's Cocina
- Bread and Tomato Soup - Gazpacho Style at Vintage Kitchen Notes
It's a souper-palooza! Time to get out the soup pot and get cooking. There are so many I want to make before summer. Now to pick which one will be next. What kind of soup is your favorite?
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Spicy Sweet Potato and Corn Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 cups vegetable broth plus more if needed
- 1 to 2 medium jalapenos seeded and finely chopped
- 1 ½ to 2 cups corn kernels
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Dash of ground nutmeg
- 2 to 3 drops Tabasco sauce
- Thin slices of jalapeno or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil and onions and cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sweet potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer until the potatoes have softened, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender, puree the cooked ingredients. Return the puree to the pot and add the jalapeno pieces, corn, salt, cayenne, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and Tabasco. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add additional vegetable broth to desired consistency. It is a thick soup. Serve hot. Garnish with thin slices of jalapenos or green onions if desired.
Notes
Recipe adapted from one on the Foodista website.
What a beautiful soup, Renee! And healthy too! I love the kick of the jalapeños and extra pop of color from the two extra slices on top. Pretty, pretty, pretty!
Thank you Stacy! It does have a pretty color from the sweet potatoes.
As a fan of sweet potatoes and the South, I am intrigued. Your addition of the jalapeños and Tabasco sauce has me doubly fascinated. Playing with sweet and savory is a masterful stroke, Renee. Congratulations!
Thanks Kim! I'm so glad I discovered a spicy sweet potato soup. It is a great sweet (kind of) and spicy combo.
This sounds like the perfect blend of flavors! Your pictures are gorgeous!
Thanks Pam!
The colors in this soup are amazing! And I can just imagine the flavor!
Thank you Jen! I thought it would catch your eye with the jalapenos in it.
Renee, you've taken an ordinary sweet potato soup to the next level (and beyond!). It sounds delicious...I think this is my favorite Sunday Supper ever!!!
Thanks Liz! It sure is a fun Sunday Supper event. So many wonderful soups.
Fabulous soup! I love it! I am a sweet potato and corn freak and together in soup is so perfect!
Thanks Jennifer! I can tell you love peppers and so it should be a good soup for you.
This is such a bowl of sunshine, Renee - it makes me happy just looking at it. Plus...YUM! Love the heat and the corn with the sweet potato and chiles. Just beautiful. This is one I need to try.
Thanks Heather! Such a nice thing to say about my soup and photo.
Renee, this soup is simply lovely! What a unique flavor combination, and I've never tried sweet potato soup either. This soup is dinner party worthy 😉
Thanks Diana!
Love the simplicity of this soup. Beautiful photos!
Thank you Amy!
I almost made a corn and jalapeño soup, but this is a far better recipe with the sweet potatoes. Besides that striking color, it´s spicy and perfect for a winter day! So gorgeous Renee!
Thanks Paula! It does add a nice bit of color to a grey winter day.
Mmm, I love sweet sweet potatoes, but I also like them spicy (as you can tell from my soup today). This sounds so good!
Go team spicy! Might as well spice up sweet potatoes too.
Sweet potato soup is my absolute favorite! Love the spicy kick to it too!
I'm glad to hear sweet potato soup is your favorite. Hopefully you will try this version with the spicy kick.
Renee, you know spicy calls my name.:) Love this potato and corn combination and boy you photographed soup so well. Everyone I visited did such a great job. Just incredible! 🙂
Thank you Shulie! So sweet of you to compliment my photography. It is a great event with so many wonderful soups.
There's a Moroccan soup somewhat like this - it uses sweet potatoes and harissa. I love how culture play off the sweet and savory notes of foods.
Oh, I need to find a recipe for a sweet potato and harissa soup. I bet it is wonderful.
Wow would that be good, I will have to try this recipe for sure. I am going to Pin it!!
Thanks Tara and I appreciate the pin!
I love sweet potato soup! One of the best things about it is that it can hit such a range of flavors and spice. My favorite is spicy - love your use of jalapenos!
Thanks Susan! Yes, lots of heat and spice or a little. Adjust to your preference and enjoy.
What a gorgeous color! The sweet potatoes sound delicious here!
Thanks Erin!
I'm not a huge spicy food fan. I like a little to contrast another flavor (sweet and/or salt) so might I also suggest to cut the heat, use a different pepper? I really like anaheim or poblano peppers as a substitute for jalapenos.
I am sure you could use anaheim or poblano peppers instead of jalapenos. Plus cut down on the spices and it should fit your taste preference.
This is right up my alley. I bought some sweet potato soup from Trader Joe's that I had for lunch today, but I can only imagine how good it would be if there was a little heat from jalapeno.
I haven't been to a Trader Joe's in ages. I had no idea they had sweet potato soup.
Sweet potatoes and corn are a great combination--and what an attractive soup! Kudos, Renee!
Thank you so much Alaiyo!
I've heard of potato soup but don't think I've ever had sweet potato soup. I know it has more vitamins than regular potato soup. Love the spicy touch too.
Yes, sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and fiber too. I'll probably eat even more of them now that I've discovered how great they are savory.
This sounds like an amazing soup, Renee. I love anything with sweet potatoes but unfortunately my DH is not a fan...maybe he won't notice 😉
Tell you DH it is carrot or butternut squash or a combo of them. Your secret is safe with me.
That looks really good. I do love soup and I have the benefit of several months of bitter cold New York winters to give me the chance to eat them constantly. 🙂 I haven't tried sweet potato soup yet but it's going on the list!
Brrr... it must be very cold up in New York. At least you do have plenty of time for soups. I hope you do try this one soon.
Renee, I love everything about this soup. I love a big ol' bowl of soup on a rainy, cold day. Oh, and that spoon is adorable.
Thanks Jennie! I found that spoon at this little market near my house. I've had it for the longest time and I don't know why I haven't used it in photos before now.
This looks great. I make a sweet potato soup with pears (sounds odd but it quite good) but I haven't tried a spicy version and think this would be delicious. Snowy day here and your soup would be wonderful!
Sweet potato and pear soup? Interesting. It must be a little more on the sweet side.
I love all the flavor combinations going on in this soup! I just found your blog and am already a fan! My husband and I are vegetable farmers and I love that you like getting your hands dirty as well 🙂
Thank you! I am so glad you found my blog! I do enjoy digging in the dirt with gardening and landscape maintenance for my home and yard.
We have fallen in love with savory sweet potato this winter. I'm really excited to give this soup a try!
Thanks Sarah!
Packed full of nutrition and warmth! This is perfect for the winter
That's a real compliment coming from such a nutrition expert. Thank you very much!
Love the idea of sweet potatoes and corn together!! This must be an amazing combo!!
Well, I ate two big bowls of it for dinner and a big bowl of it for lunch the next day. I froze the rest. I will enjoy every single drop of this soup.
Love the addition of the jalepenos. Spicy food is my favorite
Thanks! I'm a major fan of jalapenos too. Fresh or pickled. Bring on the heat!
The color in this soup is incredible and it sounds just as good!
Thanks Susan!
Okay this is gorgeous Renee. I love corn in anything but this is just whole new level. Super yummy!
Thanks Kim!
Yes! Goodness, I like the idea of corn with sweet potatoes! This soup looks absolutely lovely... see how versatile sweet potatoes are? I love that we did similar soups this week!
I love that we did similar soups this week too. I really want to try yours with the carrot juice and your selection of spices.
I love sweet potatoes but have never tried making soup with them. What a fabulous idea. I love and want that spoon... where did you get it?
I got the spoon at this little shop near my house. It was over a year ago.
Hi Renee,
This soup looks soooo good! I've never made a sweet potato soup but now I must try! and Souper-palooza?! love it!
Thanks Alice and it sure is a Souper-palooza!!
Oh wow I have never had a sweet potato soup but this sounds wonderful
Thanks Laura!
This sounds lovely and really tasty. Thank you for sharing this.
Simon