Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a soul-warming, creamy, and slightly spicy soup that really packs a flavor punch, this Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I remember the first time I made it—I couldn’t believe how comforting and nourishing something so simple could be. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, especially when a chilly evening calls for something hearty but not heavy. Let me walk you through why this soup is special and share all my little tips to help you get it just right.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unique Flavor Combo: The sweetness of the sweet potatoes paired with the creamy peanut butter and a hint of spice from curry is surprisingly delicious.
  • Comforting and Nutritious: It’s rich and creamy but also packed with fiber and plant-based protein that really fills you up.
  • Easy One-Pot Meal: You can whip it up in one pot in under an hour—no complicated steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile and Allergy-Friendly: It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, so it works for lots of dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This soup comes together with a handful of wholesome ingredients you might already have on hand. They complement one another beautifully to create that rich, velvety texture and balanced flavor I love. Plus, a few simple pantry staples like curry powder and peanut butter make the taste pop!

  • Neutral oil: I like using canola or avocado oil because they don’t overpower the flavors and have a high smoke point.
  • Onion: Yellow or red onion both work well here; sautéing until translucent unlocks that sweetness.
  • Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives a gentle kick—not too sharp but beautifully aromatic.
  • Curry powder: This is the star spice that adds warmth and depth – fresh curry powder makes a noticeable difference.
  • Sweet potatoes: Go for firm, large sweet potatoes that dice easily and cook evenly.
  • Vegetable broth: Use a good-quality broth for rich flavor; homemade is best if you can.
  • Whole tomatoes: Drained and chopped, they add a slight acidity that balances the sweetness.
  • Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a bit of heat, cayenne amps up the spice without overwhelming the dish.
  • Chunky peanut butter: Creamy is fine too, but chunky adds a nice texture and depth of flavor.
  • Coconut milk: This is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy and adds a subtle tropical note.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While I adore the classic version of this Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup Recipe, I’m all about tweaking it to your taste or what’s in your pantry. Adding your own spin keeps it exciting and lets you personalize the flavor and texture to your liking.

  • Make it spicier: I’ve added extra cayenne or even a pinch of smoked paprika when I want a smoky depth, and my family goes crazy for it.
  • Add greens: Sometimes I stir in chopped spinach or kale at the end for an extra boost of nutrients.
  • Use peanut butter alternatives: If you’re allergic or want to change things up, almond or cashew butter also work beautifully.
  • Slow cooker style: I’ve switched to a slow cooker and it reduces active cooking time while intensifying the flavors.

How to Make Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating your neutral oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it’s translucent and soft—this step is key to developing that gentle sweetness. Then, add minced garlic and curry powder, cooking an additional couple of minutes until you can smell those warm spices blooming. Trust me; this little step makes all the difference for a robust base.

Step 2: Sweet Potatoes and Tomatoes Join the Party

Next up, add your diced sweet potatoes and cook them with the aromatics for 2 minutes. This gives the edges a chance to start softening and helps the flavors meld together early on. Pour in the chopped whole tomatoes (make sure they’re drained to avoid excess liquid), the vegetable broth, and if you love a little heat, sprinkle in the cayenne pepper. Cover the pot, bring it to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Creamy Finish with Peanut Butter and Coconut Milk

Once the sweet potatoes are soft, it’s time to stir in the peanut butter and coconut milk. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for another 30 minutes, which really gives the soup that luscious, creamy texture and lets the peanut butter fully melt into the mix. When it’s done, you’ll notice how each spoonful is rich and comforting but not overly heavy—a real highlight for me every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup Recipe

  • Use Fresh Spices: I discovered this trick when I switched to fresher curry powder; the flavor is noticeably more vibrant and aromatic.
  • Don’t Skip Draining Tomatoes: Avoid a watery soup by draining the canned tomatoes well before adding them to keep the texture just right.
  • Simmer Low and Slow: My technique is to keep the heat low when simmering after adding peanut butter and coconut milk to prevent curdling and encourage melding flavors.
  • Stir Frequently Towards the End: I used to let it sit too long without stirring and the peanut butter would settle; stirring keeps everything silky smooth.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup Recipe

The image shows a transparent rectangular glass container filled with a thick stew made of large, chunky orange-yellow pieces, likely sweet potato or squash, mixed in a creamy, slightly oily sauce with small bits of green herbs and red spices scattered throughout. The container lid is partially open, revealing a white label with handwritten text saying

Garnishes

I usually top this soup with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and a few roasted peanuts for extra crunch and a pop of freshness. Sometimes a little drizzle of coconut milk on top makes it look restaurant-level fancy, and my kids love when I add a small dollop of plain yogurt or vegan sour cream for extra creaminess.

Side Dishes

Pairing this soup with warm crusty bread or homemade garlic naan makes for a comforting meal. I’ve also served it alongside a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, which is a hit during warmer months.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this sweet potato peanut butter soup in small espresso cups as an appetizer, garnished with microgreens and a tiny chili flake sprinkle. It’s always a conversation starter and looks so inviting laid out on a bright tray with colorful linens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so I often find it tastes even better reheated. Just give it a good stir before serving to recombine any separated coconut milk.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. I pour it into freezer-safe containers leaving a little headspace since it expands, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you’re planning to freeze, I recommend leaving out the coconut milk at first and adding it fresh when reheating to keep the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the soup gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. If it feels too thick, just add a splash of water or veggie broth to loosen it up without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.

FAQs

  1. Can I use peanut butter alternatives in this Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup Recipe?

    Yes, definitely! Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work beautifully and will give the soup a slightly different but equally rich flavor. Just make sure to use natural, unsweetened nut butters for the best results.

  2. Is this soup spicy?

    The base recipe has a mild warmth thanks to curry powder, but it’s not overly spicy. You can add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to boost the heat, or skip it entirely if you prefer gentle flavors.

  3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

    Absolutely! I’ve done this myself by sautéing the aromatics first, then transferring everything to the slow cooker and cooking on low for about 4-5 hours. Just add peanut butter and coconut milk in the last 30 minutes to preserve their texture and flavor.

  4. Can I blend the soup for a smoother texture?

    Yes, you can! I usually leave mine chunky because I love that hearty texture, but blending it with an immersion blender or in batches gives you a silky smooth soup that’s equally delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the perfect blend of cozy, flavorful, and nutritious all at once. I love how it brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels indulgent yet wholesome—a soup that soothes your soul and satisfies your cravings. I really hope you give it a try soon, especially on a chilly night when you want to curl up with something super comforting. If you do, don’t forget to tell me how it turns out—I’m always excited to hear your stories and tweaks!

Print
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Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup Recipe

Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 118 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: African-inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the bold flavors of curry and the nuttiness of peanut butter. Enhanced with coconut milk and a hint of cayenne for mild heat, this vegan and gluten-free soup is perfect for cozy meals, prepared easily on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 1 small yellow or red onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 28 ounces whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil and Sauté Onions: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions become translucent and tender.
  2. Add Garlic and Curry Powder: Stir in the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of curry powder, cooking for another 2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma and flavor.
  3. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
  4. Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Cayenne: Pour in the chopped whole tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper if using. Cover the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Incorporate Peanut Butter and Coconut Milk: Add ½ cup chunky peanut butter and ½ cup coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine, then cover and let simmer for another 30 minutes to deepen the flavors and create a creamy texture.

Notes

  • This soup is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
  • The cayenne pepper adds a mild spicy kick; omit for a milder soup.
  • Use chunky peanut butter for texture, but smooth peanut butter can be substituted for a creamier consistency.
  • Can be cooked on the stovetop in a large pot or in a slow cooker following similar timing.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze nicely.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 486 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 718 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.01 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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