This creamy sweet potato and sausage soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With soft sweet potatoes and tasty sausage, it’s both hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly days.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up. Just chop, cook, and blend! I always keep some bread handy for dipping—because who can resist a good dunk? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This adds a rich, meaty flavor. You can swap it for chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables.
Sweet Potatoes: They provide creaminess and sweetness. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, butternut squash makes a great substitute, giving a similar texture and taste.
Heavy Cream: This adds a luxurious creaminess to the soup. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just be mindful of the flavor change.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is great, but store-bought works too! If you need a vegetarian version, opt for vegetable broth or even water; just add more seasonings.
How Do I Get a Creamy Texture Without Over-Blending the Soup?
The goal is to achieve a creamy texture while keeping some chunks for a hearty feel. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use an immersion blender to blend only a portion of the soup, leaving some pieces of sweet potato and sausage intact. This keeps the texture interesting!
- If using a regular blender, blend about half the soup and return it to the pot. This method gives more control over the creaminess.
- Remember, blending the soup just enough will create a nice balance of creamy and chunky.
Experimenting with texture while blending allows personal preference to shine through. Enjoy your cooking! 😊
How to Make Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups), peeled and diced
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or kale, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy sweet potato and sausage soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté Your Veggies:
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and sliced carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Broth:
Now, stir in the diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes and carrots are tender.
4. Blend the Soup:
For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This will create a creamy base while still keeping some chunks for a delightful texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half of the soup to a regular blender, pulse until creamy, and return it to the pot.
5. Final Touches:
Stir in the cooked sausage and pour in the heavy cream. Warm the soup over low heat until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or kale for a fresh touch. Grab some bread for dipping, and you’re ready to enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy sweet potato and sausage soup!
Happy cooking! 🍲
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that each type may alter the flavor slightly, so choose one that fits your preferences.
How Can I Thicken the Soup if It’s Too Thin?
If the soup is thinner than you’d like, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to the simmering soup and let it cook for a few minutes until thickened. Another option is to blend more of the soup to create a creamier texture.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if it has thickened too much during storage.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion when freezing!
