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Sweet Potato Curry Chickpea Soup

A nourishing and comforting soup featuring sweet potatoes and chickpeas, blended with vibrant spices and creamy coconut milk, perfect for chilly days.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Indian
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the soup
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil A neutral oil works well. Feel free to use coconut oil for extra flavor!
  • 1 large onion (chopped) Fresh onions lend sweetness and depth; yellow onions are my go-to for this recipe.
  • 1 jalapeno pepper (diced) Adjust to your spice preference; you can also leave this out for a milder soup.
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced) Adds sweetness and color to the dish.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic will enhance the flavor, but pre-minced can save time.
  • 1 tbsp curry paste Or you could use powder; I love red curry paste for the best balance of spice and flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne powder Optional but gives a delightful kick.
  • 1 can chickpeas (drained, about 2 cups) Canned chickpeas save time; drain and rinse them thoroughly.
  • 1 large sweet potato (cubed) Look for firm, unblemished potatoes for the best texture.
  • 4 cups unsalted chicken broth Or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 2 cups water Adjust based on your desired thickness.
  • 1 can coconut milk (slightly less than 2 cups) For that luscious creaminess! Full-fat recommended.
  • 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt Plus more to taste.
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro A lovely finishing touch to brighten your soup.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large stockpot, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
  2. Add the chopped onion, diced jalapeno, and red bell pepper, along with 1 tsp of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the curry paste (or powder) and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add the rinsed chickpeas, cubed sweet potato, chicken broth, water, and coconut milk. Season with the remaining salt.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer it to a blender in batches.
  8. Stir in the chopped cilantro, reserving a bit for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Notes

Aim for a balance between sweet and spicy; trust your palate! If you prefer chunkier soup, don’t blend completely. Serve with a drizzle of coconut milk or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.