Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Soup – Creamy Vegan Comfort in 35 Minutes

Name: Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 34 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ medium onion (diced); 1 small jalapeño (minced (optional for heat)); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 3 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 can (14 oz / 400 g fire-roasted tomatoes); 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml light coconut milk); 2 cups 480 ml water; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1 tsp curry powder or turmeric; ½ cup 75 g chopped peanuts, plus extra for garnish; ¼ cup 60 g peanut butter; 1 –2 cups (50–100 g kale, stems removed and chopped); Optional garnish: fresh cilantro

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This Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food for cold nights or anytime you crave a creamy, hearty, and flavorful meal. Inspired by West African flavors, this soup combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the rich, nutty depth of peanuts and peanut butter, balanced by aromatic spices like curry powder or turmeric. Coconut milk adds a luscious creaminess, while a touch of jalapeño introduces gentle heat that makes every spoonful exciting. Gluten-free, vegan, and packed with protein and fiber, it’s a one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or sharing with family and friends. The combination of textures—from tender sweet potatoes to the crunch of peanuts and the slight bite of kale—makes it a delightful soup that satisfies both the palate and the body.

Why This Recipe Works

This Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Soup works so well because it balances sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors in a creamy, cohesive texture. Sweet potatoes provide a naturally creamy base when cooked, which, when blended with coconut milk, creates a luscious, velvety mouthfeel. The addition of peanut butter and chopped peanuts introduces richness, protein, and healthy fats while delivering a subtle nutty sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the warmth of curry or turmeric.

Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds depth and a mild smoky flavor, enhancing the overall complexity of the soup without overpowering the peanut notes. Kale is incorporated toward the end of cooking to retain its texture and vibrant color, giving the soup a fresh, slightly earthy bite that balances the sweetness of the base. The layering of spices, aromatics, and texture ensures every spoonful is dynamic, comforting, and satisfying.

Flavor Layering

Base Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and optional jalapeño are sautéed in olive oil first. This step softens the vegetables and creates a fragrant foundation for the soup.
Sweetness & Body: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and creaminess. Roasting slightly before simmering caramelizes the edges, enhancing flavor depth.
Tomato & Coconut Milk: Fire-roasted tomatoes introduce subtle smokiness and acidity, while coconut milk adds luxurious richness.
Nutty Depth: Chopped peanuts and peanut butter provide texture, protein, and a distinctive nutty flavor, harmonizing with the sweet potatoes.
Spice Layer: Curry powder or turmeric, along with a pinch of salt, balances the sweetness and adds warmth. Optional jalapeño introduces mild heat that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Greens: Kale is added last to preserve freshness, color, and bite, completing the flavor profile with earthiness.

By layering flavors instead of adding everything at once, this soup achieves a balance of sweetness, spice, creaminess, and nuttiness that makes each spoonful satisfying and memorable.

Technique

The technique for this soup focuses on maximizing flavor while maintaining a smooth, creamy texture:

Sautéing Aromatics: Softening onions, garlic, and jalapeño before adding liquid allows their natural sugars to develop, producing a rich base.
Browning Sweet Potatoes Slightly: Lightly browning sweet potatoes before simmering enhances their flavor through caramelization, making the soup naturally sweeter and more complex.
Gradual Addition of Liquids: Adding coconut milk and water incrementally ensures that the soup maintains a creamy consistency without becoming too thin or too thick.
Incorporating Peanut Butter & Peanuts Last: This prevents the nuts from losing texture and preserves their rich flavor while creating a silky finish.
Finishing with Kale: Adding greens at the end keeps them vibrant, avoids overcooking, and contributes an earthy, slightly bitter balance to the soup’s sweetness.

These simple techniques combine to create a soup that is greater than the sum of its parts—rich, balanced, and satisfying in every spoonful.

Cooking Logic

The cooking logic behind this recipe is rooted in layering and timing:

Start with aromatics: Sautéing onions, garlic, and jalapeño builds the flavor foundation.
Add the main ingredient: Sweet potatoes go in next so they can absorb the aromatics and begin softening.
Introduce liquids and spices: Tomatoes, coconut milk, water, and spices are added to cook the potatoes thoroughly and allow flavors to meld.
Incorporate richness: Peanut butter and chopped peanuts are stirred in toward the end to avoid losing texture and maintain a creamy consistency.
Finish with greens: Kale is added last to provide freshness, color, and a slight bitterness that balances the soup’s natural sweetness.
Garnish & Serve: Fresh cilantro and extra peanuts elevate the dish visually and enhance flavor.

This sequencing ensures maximum flavor development, perfect texture, and a harmonious balance of sweetness, spice, and richness.

Recipe Info

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 5–6 servings
Category: Dinner, Soup, Vegan
Cuisine: West African-inspired

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
Olive oil serves as the cooking fat to sauté aromatics and jalapeño, helping to release their natural flavors. Its mild fruity notes complement the nutty, sweet, and spicy layers of the soup without overpowering the main ingredients.

½ medium onion, diced
Onion provides a sweet and savory base flavor. Sautéing releases its natural sugars, adding depth and aroma. Onions also create a subtle umami layer that enhances the overall complexity of the soup.

1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)
Jalapeño introduces a gentle heat and slight smokiness, which balances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the richness of peanut butter. It can be adjusted or omitted depending on your preferred spice level.

2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic is an essential aromatic that deepens the savory notes of the soup. When sautéed, it becomes slightly sweet and fragrant, blending harmoniously with the peanut and coconut flavors.

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
Sweet potatoes provide the natural sweetness, creamy texture, and body of the soup. They are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium, making this a nutritious comfort dish. Cutting them evenly ensures uniform cooking and smooth consistency once blended.

1 can (14 oz / 400 g) fire-roasted tomatoes
Fire-roasted tomatoes introduce subtle smokiness and acidity. They brighten the soup, cutting through the richness of the peanut butter and coconut milk, while adding depth to the overall flavor profile.

1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) light coconut milk
Coconut milk adds creaminess and a delicate sweetness. It creates a luscious texture and complements the nutty peanut flavor. Light coconut milk is ideal to keep the soup creamy while reducing saturated fat content.

2 cups (480 ml) water
Water adjusts the soup consistency and prevents it from being too thick. It allows control over the final texture while helping to blend flavors evenly throughout the cooking process.

1 tsp salt, or to taste
Salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness of sweet potatoes and peanut butter. Adjusting the amount ensures the soup isn’t too salty or bland.

1 tsp curry powder or turmeric
Curry powder adds warmth, complexity, and a slight earthiness, complementing the nutty and sweet elements. Turmeric can be used as an alternative to curry powder for a milder, golden hue with health-boosting anti-inflammatory benefits.

½ cup (75 g) chopped peanuts, plus extra for garnish
Chopped peanuts provide texture and crunch, contrasting the creamy soup. They also enhance the nutty flavor and contribute healthy fats and protein. Reserving some for garnish adds visual appeal and an extra bite.

¼ cup (60 g) peanut butter
Peanut butter delivers the soup’s signature richness and nutty depth. It thickens the soup while balancing the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and creaminess of coconut milk. Using smooth peanut butter ensures a silky texture.

1–2 cups (50–100 g) kale, stems removed and chopped
Kale adds freshness, color, and a slightly bitter contrast to the soup’s richness. It is nutrient-dense, providing vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber. Adding it at the end keeps it tender-crisp and vibrant.

Optional garnish: fresh cilantro
Cilantro brightens the final dish with a hint of herbal freshness, cutting through the richness and adding visual appeal. It pairs well with the earthy, nutty, and spicy flavors of the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base

Begin by placing a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm for a few seconds until it shimmers slightly but does not smoke. This initial heating stage is essential to properly extract flavor from the aromatics without burning them.

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onion should begin to soften and turn translucent rather than brown. This slow softening releases natural sugars and creates a savory foundation for the soup.

Next, add the minced garlic and jalapeño. Stir continuously for another 1–2 minutes, ensuring the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown. Garlic burns quickly and can introduce bitterness, so maintaining moderate heat and movement is key at this stage.

Step 2: Develop Sweet Potato Flavor

Add the cubed sweet potatoes directly into the pot with the aromatics. Stir well to coat them evenly in the oil and onion mixture. Allow the sweet potatoes to cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This brief sauté step enhances flavor by lightly caramelizing the edges of the sweet potatoes. While they will not cook fully at this stage, this step deepens their natural sweetness and adds complexity that cannot be achieved by boiling alone.

Step 3: Introduce the Liquid Components

Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, including their juices. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot gently to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the surface.

Add the coconut milk and water, followed by the salt and curry powder or turmeric. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. The mixture should appear creamy with visible tomato and sweet potato pieces.

Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Avoid a rapid boil, as this can break down the coconut milk and cause separation.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot partially with a lid. Allow the soup to cook for approximately 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.

During this time, the sweet potatoes should become fork-tender. Proper tenderness is crucial for achieving a creamy texture later without needing excessive blending or mashing.

Taste the broth at this stage and adjust salt if needed, keeping in mind that the peanut butter added later will slightly mute saltiness.

Step 5: Incorporate Peanut Elements

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the peanut butter slowly, one spoonful at a time, allowing it to dissolve fully before adding more. This gradual incorporation prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, cohesive soup base.

Add the chopped peanuts next, stirring gently. These add texture and reinforce the nutty profile without overwhelming the soup.

At this point, the soup will thicken noticeably and develop its signature creamy, rich consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Greens

Add the chopped kale to the pot and stir gently to incorporate. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, just until the kale softens but remains vibrant green.

Overcooking the kale can dull its color and introduce bitterness, so this final simmer should be brief and controlled.

Step 7: Final Taste and Adjustments

Remove the soup from heat. Taste once more and adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt or a pinch of spice depending on preference.

For a thinner consistency, add small amounts of hot water and stir until the desired texture is achieved. For a thicker soup, allow it to rest uncovered for a few minutes before serving.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls while hot. Garnish with extra chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Texture and Flavor Profile

The Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Soup delivers a layered sensory experience that balances richness, warmth, and freshness in every spoonful. The overall texture is creamy yet structured, avoiding heaviness while still feeling deeply comforting.

The sweet potatoes break down gently during simmering, lending natural body to the soup without the need for flour or starches. Coconut milk adds silkiness, while peanut butter contributes density and mouthfeel, creating a velvety base that coats the palate. Chopped peanuts introduce subtle contrast, offering intermittent crunch that keeps the texture dynamic rather than monotonous.

From a flavor perspective, the soup opens with natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes and coconut milk. This sweetness is quickly balanced by savory undertones from onion and garlic, followed by gentle heat from jalapeño. The curry powder or turmeric adds warmth and depth rather than overt spice, allowing the peanut flavor to remain dominant but not overwhelming. Fire-roasted tomatoes contribute mild acidity and smokiness, preventing the soup from tasting flat or overly rich.

The final addition of kale provides a fresh, slightly earthy finish that brightens the soup and enhances its nutritional complexity without disrupting the creamy base.

Tips for Best Results

Cut sweet potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking
Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils
Stir peanut butter in gradually to avoid clumping
Keep the soup at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil
Taste and adjust seasoning at multiple stages

These small details significantly improve the final result.

Variations

This soup is highly adaptable and welcomes customization:

Extra heat: Add crushed red pepper or chili oil
Protein boost: Add chickpeas or red lentils
Ultra-creamy: Blend half the soup and return it to the pot
Nut-free: Replace peanuts with sunflower seed butter
Spice-forward: Add cumin or smoked paprika

Each variation maintains the integrity of the dish while offering new dimensions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup as a standalone dinner or alongside complementary sides:

Warm crusty bread or flatbread
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
Simple cucumber salad for contrast
Roasted cauliflower or carrots

For meal prep, pair with a grain-based salad or protein-rich side.

Storage and Reheating

This soup stores exceptionally well.

Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently

Add a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating to restore consistency.

Nutrition Overview

Per serving (approximate):

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 7 g
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: Moderate, depending on salt used

This soup is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and rich in fiber and healthy fats. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and beta-carotene, while peanuts contribute plant-based protein and heart-healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors deepen after resting, making it ideal for meal prep.

Is this soup spicy?
It is mildly spicy. The jalapeño can be omitted for a completely mild version.

Can I blend this soup?
Yes. Blending part or all of the soup creates a smoother texture.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of fire-roasted?
Yes, though fire-roasted tomatoes add depth and smokiness.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze in portioned containers for easy reheating.

Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Soup is a thoughtfully balanced dish that showcases how simple plant-based ingredients can create deeply satisfying meals. With its creamy texture, layered flavors, and adaptable nature, it fits seamlessly into both everyday cooking and intentional meal planning.

Whether prepared for a cozy evening, shared with family, or portioned for the week ahead, this soup delivers warmth, nourishment, and bold flavor without complexity. It is a recipe designed to be returned to repeatedly, offering comfort while remaining nutritionally grounded and versatile.