Spicy Butternut & Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Spicy Butternut & Sweet Potato Soup Recipe: Autumn Warmth

Crafting a heartwarming butternut and sweet potato soup with a spicy kick brings comfort to chilly evenings.

Delicate seasonal vegetables mingle beautifully in this creamy concoction.

Warmth radiates from each spoonful, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Aromatic spices dance through the velvety blend, creating layers of complex flavor.

Nutritious ingredients combine seamlessly, offering both nourishment and satisfaction.

Bold notes of heat contrast against the smooth, rich foundation.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite for cozy meals.

Dive into this soul-warming soup that celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients.

Best Sides to Serve with Spicy Butternut Sweet Potato Soup

  • Spice-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling with slight sweetness to balance the soup's heat and complement its rich, earthy flavors.
  • Texture-Enhancing Bread Choice: Serve with crusty sourdough bread or rustic whole grain toast, which provides a delightful crunch against the smooth soup texture.
  • Cooling Herb Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt to add brightness and calm the spiciness while introducing a creamy contrast.
  • Complementary Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Flavorful Tweaks for Spicy Butternut Sweet Potato Soup

  • Vegan Coconut Curry Soup: Replace vegetable broth with coconut milk, add curry powder instead of original spices, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a creamy tropical version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap butternut squash and sweet potatoes with cauliflower, use bone broth for extra protein, and add roasted red pepper for depth of flavor.
  • Roasted Vegetable Blend: Roast squash and sweet potatoes before adding to soup for intensified caramelized flavors, sprinkle smoked paprika for additional complexity.
  • Instant Pot Express: Adapt recipe for pressure cooker by adding all ingredients simultaneously, reducing cooking time to 10 minutes while maintaining rich, robust taste.

FAQs

  • What are the health benefits of butternut squash and sweet potatoes in this soup?

Both vegetables are nutrient powerhouses packed with vitamins A and C, which boost immune system, improve eye health, and support skin regeneration. They’re also rich in fiber, helping with digestion and providing long-lasting energy.

  • Can I make this soup vegan or gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan. The vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients make it perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Just ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.

  • How spicy is this soup with the chili flakes?

The chili flakes add a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them completely. For more heat, you can increase the quantity or add a dash of hot sauce when serving.

  • What are some protein options I can add to make this soup more filling?

Consider adding cooked quinoa, white beans, chickpeas, or shredded chicken for extra protein. These additions will transform the soup into a more substantial meal without compromising its delicious flavor profile.

Spicy Butternut Sweet Potato Soup Warmth

  • Packed with vitamins and minerals from butternut squash and sweet potatoes, this soup delivers a healthy, wholesome meal that supports overall wellness and satisfies hunger.
  • Infused with warming spices like cumin, coriander, and chili flakes, this recipe offers a delightful flavor profile that transforms ordinary vegetables into an exciting, zesty culinary experience.
  • Streamline your cooking process with a single pot preparation, reducing cleanup time and making this soup an ideal solution for weeknight dinners or meal prep enthusiasts.

Essential Ingredients for Spicy Butternut Sweet Potato Soup

Main Vegetables:
  • Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty vegetable that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the soup.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Provides natural sweetness and additional nutritional depth to the soup base.
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that create a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Chili Flakes: A warm and complex spice blend that adds depth and gentle heat to the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
Cooking Liquid:
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base that helps cook and blend the vegetables smoothly.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Cilantro: Optional herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the soup when served.
Additional Components:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and preventing sticking in the cooking process.

How to Cook Spicy Butternut Sweet Potato Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Drizzle olive oil into a large pot and set it on medium heat.

Drop in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Sprinkle Exotic Spices

Shake in a blend of:
  • Ground cumin
  • Crushed coriander
  • Smoky paprika
  • Red chili flakes

Stir these spices for about a minute to release their intense aromas and wake up their flavors.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Toss in chopped:
  • Butternut squash
  • Sweet potatoes

Pour vegetable broth over the vegetables.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables become super soft and tender.

Step 4: Transform Into Silky Smoothness

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it becomes completely smooth and creamy.

If you prefer, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches.

Step 5: Final Flavor Touches

Season with salt and pepper to your personal taste preference.

For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top before serving hot.

Tips for Balancing Heat in Sweet Potato Soup

  • Adjust chili flakes to control heat level, using fewer for mild taste or more for extra kick.
  • Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for smoother texture and easier cleanup.
  • Add a can of white beans during simmering to increase protein content and create a heartier soup.
  • Top with roasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor.
  • This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Storing and Reheating Spicy Butternut Sweet Potato Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label containers with the date and contents.
  • Transfer refrigerated soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
  • Pour soup into a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and warm gently until heated through. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick.
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Spicy Butternut & Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Spicy Butternut & Sweet Potato Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets bold flavors in this spicy butternut & sweet potato soup, blending warm autumn spices with creamy roasted vegetables. Hearty and nourishing, each spoonful delivers a satisfying balance of heat and sweetness you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquid:

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a large pot at medium temperature, introducing diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle cumin, coriander, paprika, and chili flakes into the pot. Toast spices for 60 seconds to release their aromatic essence, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  3. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, then add cubed butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Raise heat to generate a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
  4. Allow soup to cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, periodically checking vegetable tenderness by piercing with a fork. Vegetables should yield easily when pressed.
  5. Remove pot from heat and utilize an immersion blender to transform the mixture into a silky, uniform consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup to a standard blender, processing in controlled batches.
  6. Taste and calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper, adjusting spice levels to personal preference. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant final touch.
  7. Serve immediately in warmed bowls, ensuring the soup maintains its optimal temperature and rich, velvety texture.

Notes

  • Swap chili flakes with fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers for a brighter, more vibrant heat level.
  • Roast vegetables beforehand to intensify their natural sweetness and add deeper caramelized flavor notes.
  • Create a creamy vegan version by using coconut milk instead of traditional dairy, enhancing the soup’s richness and tropical undertones.
  • Boost protein content by blending in cooked white beans or topping with roasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutritional value.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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