## H1: Cozy Up with This 2-Step Sweet Potato Soup: Your Easiest Fall Recipe
Fall is the season of comfort food, and nothing screams comfort quite like a warm, flavorful bowl of soup. But let’s be honest, who has hours to spend in the kitchen after a long day? That’s where this incredible **2-Step Sweet Potato Soup** comes in. This recipe is unbelievably easy, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a taste of autumn in every spoonful. Get ready to cozy up with the simplest, most delicious sweet potato soup you’ve ever made!
### Why You’ll Love This 2-Step Sweet Potato Soup
* **Unbelievably Easy:** As the title suggests, this soup only requires two main steps. We’re talking minimal effort with maximum flavor payoff.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** No need to scour the grocery store for obscure ingredients. This recipe uses pantry staples and a few key players, primarily sweet potatoes!
* **Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free:** This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this soup to your liking. Add different spices, toppings, or even other vegetables.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Sweet potatoes are often an affordable vegetable, making this soup a budget-friendly option.
* **Incredibly Delicious:** It’s not just easy; it’s genuinely delicious! The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is complemented by warm spices, creating a comforting and satisfying flavor.
### The Magic Behind the Simplicity: Why This Recipe Works
This recipe’s simplicity hinges on a few key techniques that maximize flavor with minimal effort. The first is roasting the sweet potatoes. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and caramelizes the edges, adding depth and complexity to the soup. The second secret ingredient is a blend of warm spices that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly. These spices add depth, warmth, and a touch of complexity without overwhelming the natural flavors.
### Ingredients You’ll Need:
* **2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds):** The star of the show! Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. Garnet or Jewel varieties work best.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For roasting the sweet potatoes and sautéing the onion (optional). You can substitute with coconut oil for a slightly sweeter flavor.
* **1 medium onion (optional):** Adds depth and savory notes to the soup. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but it does enhance the flavor.
* **4 cups vegetable broth:** Provides the liquid base for the soup. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content. Chicken broth can be used if you don’t need the soup to be vegan.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Adds warmth and sweetness.
* **1/2 teaspoon ground ginger:** Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
* **1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg:** A subtle, warming spice that complements the sweet potatoes.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** To enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
* **Optional toppings:** Croutons, toasted pumpkin seeds, coconut milk, chopped cilantro, a swirl of cream, sriracha, a drizzle of maple syrup.
### Step-by-Step Instructions: The 2-Step Process
Okay, are you ready for the easiest soup recipe ever? Here’s how to make this incredible 2-step sweet potato soup:
**Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes (and Onion, if Using)**
1. **Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. **Prepare the sweet potatoes:** Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother soup, but leaving the skin on adds nutrients and fiber. Dice the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes.
3. **Prepare the onion (optional):** If using onion, peel and dice it.
4. **Toss with olive oil and spices:** In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes (and onion, if using) with olive oil, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Make sure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
5. **Roast the sweet potatoes:** Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork; it should go in easily. If the onions are browning too quickly, you can remove them after about 15 minutes.
**Step 2: Blend and Simmer**
1. **Transfer to a blender:** Carefully transfer the roasted sweet potatoes (and onion) to a blender. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your blender.
2. **Add vegetable broth:** Add about 2 cups of vegetable broth to the blender. Start with a smaller amount of broth and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. **Blend until smooth:** Blend until the soup is completely smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids; start on a low speed and gradually increase to high.
4. **Transfer to a pot:** Pour the blended soup into a pot or Dutch oven.
5. **Add remaining broth and simmer:** Add the remaining vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
6. **Simmer for 5-10 minutes:** Simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking. If the soup is too thick, add more broth to thin it out. If the soup is not flavorful enough, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors.
### Serving Suggestions & Topping Ideas:
Now comes the fun part: serving your delicious 2-step sweet potato soup! Here are some serving suggestions and topping ideas to elevate your soup experience:
* **Classic Croutons:** Crispy croutons add a satisfying crunch.
* **Toasted Pumpkin Seeds:** Add a nutty flavor and healthy fats.
* **Coconut Milk Swirl:** A swirl of coconut milk adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Chopped cilantro, parsley, or chives add freshness and vibrancy.
* **A Drizzle of Cream or Sour Cream:** For extra richness and tang.
* **Sriracha or Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat.
* **A Drizzle of Maple Syrup:** To enhance the sweetness.
* **Roasted Chickpeas:** For added protein and texture.
* **Toasted Pecans or Walnuts:** For a nutty crunch.
* **Gingerbread Crumbles:** For a festive and unexpected twist (especially around the holidays).
* **A dollop of Greek Yogurt:** For tanginess and creaminess
### Tips and Variations:
* **Make it spicier:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sweet potato mixture before roasting. You can also add a chopped jalapeño pepper along with the onion.
* **Add other vegetables:** Roast other vegetables along with the sweet potatoes, such as carrots, butternut squash, or parsnips.
* **Use different spices:** Experiment with different spice combinations. Try adding smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
* **Add protein:** Stir in cooked lentils, chickpeas, or shredded chicken for a heartier soup.
* **Make it creamy:** For an extra creamy soup, stir in a can of coconut milk or a cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
* **Use an immersion blender:** If you don’t have a regular blender, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. Be careful to avoid splashing hot soup.
* **Roast garlic:** Add a head of garlic, cut in half horizontally, to the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes. The roasted garlic will add a delicious depth of flavor to the soup. Simply squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the blender with the sweet potatoes.
* **Add Apple:** For a sweeter and more complex flavor, add a diced apple to the roasting pan with the sweet potatoes. Honeycrisp or Fuji varieties work well.
* **Boost the Flavor with Ginger and Garlic:** Add a small knob of fresh ginger, peeled and minced, and a clove or two of garlic, minced, to the sweet potatoes before roasting for an extra layer of flavor.
### Storage Instructions:
* **Refrigerate:** Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
### Reheating Instructions:
* **Stovetop:** Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring every minute, until heated through.
### Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):
* Calories: Approximately 200-250
* Fat: 5-10g
* Protein: 3-5g
* Carbohydrates: 35-45g
* Fiber: 5-7g
(Note: This is an approximate estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
* **Can I use canned sweet potatoes?** While fresh sweet potatoes are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Be sure to drain and rinse them well before using. Roasting will still yield the best flavor.
* **Can I use a different type of broth?** Yes, you can use chicken broth or bone broth if you prefer.
* **Can I make this soup ahead of time?** Absolutely! This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
* **My soup is too thick. What should I do?** Add more vegetable broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
* **My soup is not flavorful enough. What can I do?** Add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors.
* **Can I use an immersion blender instead of a regular blender?** Yes, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. Be careful to avoid splashing hot soup.
* **Is this soup good for babies?** Yes, this soup is a great option for babies who are starting solids. Just be sure to omit the salt and pepper and blend it until it’s completely smooth.
### Final Thoughts:
This 2-Step Sweet Potato Soup is a game-changer for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal without the fuss. It’s proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe or hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious. So grab your sweet potatoes, your favorite spices, and get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure autumn goodness! Enjoy!
### Call to Action:
What are your favorite fall soup recipes? Share them in the comments below! And don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!