Sweet Potato Soup with Cumin and Crispy Toppings
Warm up your kitchen and soul with this comforting Sweet Potato Soup with Cumin and Crispy Toppings. This cozy soup blends the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with aromatic cumin and a variety of crunchy toppings, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Easy to make, nutritious, and versatile, it’s ideal for chilly days or any time you crave wholesome comfort food.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Crispy Toppings (choose any)
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Crispy fried onions
- Crunchy croutons
- Roasted chickpeas (for a protein boost)
- Toasted almonds or pecans
- Prep the Vegetables: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves to release their full flavor during sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cumin powder, allowing the spices to toast lightly and awaken their aroma.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot and mix with the spiced onion and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth just enough to cover the mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Blend Until Smooth: Using an immersion blender or traditional blender, carefully puree the soup until creamy and smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired texture.
- Season and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional cumin if desired. Keep warm on low heat as you prepare the toppings.
- Prepare Crispy Toppings: In a small pan, toast your chosen crunchy toppings like pumpkin seeds or crispy onions until golden brown. This step provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the silky soup.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and generously sprinkle with your crispy toppings. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and smooth blending.
- Gently toast cumin and garlic to release their full flavor without burning.
- Use a good-quality vegetable broth for richer taste without added salt.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to prevent splatters and burns.
- Add crispy toppings just before serving to retain their crunchiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: sweet potato soup, cumin soup, vegan soup, gluten free, creamy soup, comforting soup, healthy soup, crispy toppings