There’s just something magical about a bowl of soup on a chilly day, isn’t there? And when it’s this Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup, it’s pure bliss! I remember the first time I whipped this up – it was pouring rain outside, and the house instantly felt so much cozier. The smell alone was incredible, but that first spoonful? Oh my goodness. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it’s just *so* good. Seriously, it’s become my go-to when I need a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup Recipe
- So incredibly easy to make – perfect for weeknights!
- The flavor combo of sweet potato and savory sausage is just divine.
- It’s super creamy and comforting, ideal for chilly weather.
- You can whip up a batch in under an hour.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup, you’ll need a few things. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff you can usually find at your local grocery store. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the actual cooking process a breeze, trust me!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – just for getting things started.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed – I like using the regular kind, but feel free to go for spicy if you want a little kick!
- 1 large onion, chopped – chop it up however you like, doesn’t have to be fancy.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes all the difference, you know?
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed – make sure they’re about bite-sized so they cook evenly.
- 4 cups chicken broth – this is our soup base!
- 1 cup milk – whole milk gives it a nice richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – this is where the magic happens for that super creamy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – or to your taste, of course.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is always best if you have it!
Optional Garnishes
And for a little something extra at the end, some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It really makes the soup look as good as it tastes!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup
Okay, get ready, because making this delicious soup is actually way easier than you might think! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup comes together. Let’s get our aprons on!
Browning the Sausage and Sautéing Aromatics
First things first, grab a big pot or a Dutch oven. Pour in that tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up over medium heat. Now, toss in your Italian sausage. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks until it’s nice and brown. Once it’s cooked, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Don’t wipe out the pot, though! Those little bits left in the bottom are pure flavor gold. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften up for about five minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can really smell it – be careful not to burn it!
Simmering the Sweet Potatoes
Now for the star of the show! Add your cubed sweet potatoes and the chicken broth to the pot. Give it a good stir, bring it all up to a boil, then turn down the heat so it’s just gently simmering. Pop a lid on it and let those sweet potatoes get nice and tender. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them soft enough to blend easily, so give them a poke to check.
Blending for Creaminess
This is where the magic really happens for that super creamy texture! You have two main options here. You can very carefully ladle the hot soup into a regular blender, filling it only about halfway, and blend until it’s smooth. Or, my personal favorite because it’s less messy, use an immersion blender right in the pot. Just stick it in and blend away until you have a smooth, velvety soup. Be careful, hot soup can splatter!
Finishing the Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup
Once it’s all blended and smooth, pour it back into the pot (if you used a regular blender). Now, stir in that milk, the heavy cream, and all that yummy cooked sausage you set aside earlier. Add your salt and pepper too. Give it a good stir to combine everything. You just want to heat it through gently over low heat. Seriously, *gentle* heat – don’t let it boil, or the cream might separate. Once it’s warm, it’s ready to serve!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup
Making this Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup is pretty forgiving, but a few little tricks can make it even better! It’s all about getting that texture and flavor just right.
Achieving Your Desired Soup Consistency
If you find your soup is a little too thick after blending, don’t panic! Just stir in a splash more milk or chicken broth until it reaches your perfect consistency. On the flip side, if it seems a bit too thin for your liking, you can let it simmer gently, uncovered, for a few extra minutes. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate, naturally thickening it up.
Flavor Enhancements and Adjustments
Taste, taste, taste! That’s my motto. Always give your soup a good taste before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you’re like me and love a little heat, definitely swap out the regular Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage. It adds a wonderful warmth that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup
Got questions about this delicious Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You totally can! If you want to skip the sausage, you can start by sautéing your onions and garlic in a bit more olive oil. Then, just add the sweet potatoes, broth, and other ingredients as usual. You might want to add some smoked paprika or a pinch of nutmeg to give it a little extra depth that the sausage usually provides. It’ll still be super yummy!
How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
This Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup keeps really well in the fridge! Store it in an airtight container, and it should be good for about 3 to 4 days. I like to reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and warm all the way through. Just like most soups, I think it tastes even better the next day!
What can I serve with this soup?
Oh, this soup is perfect with so many things! A crusty piece of bread for dipping is a must, in my opinion. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Some people love it with grilled cheese sandwiches, which sounds absolutely divine!
Nutritional Estimate for Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup
Just a little note about the nutrition info – these numbers are an estimate, okay? Since everyone’s ingredients and brands can vary a bit, your actual nutritional values might be slightly different. It’s always a good idea to use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best results!
I’d absolutely LOVE to hear what you think of this Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup! Did you try it? Did you add any fun twists? Let me know in the comments below! Your feedback and ratings really help other cooks out, and honestly, I just love hearing how your soup turned out! You can also find more great recipes on Pinterest.
PrintSavor 1 Hour Creamy Sweet Potato & Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting soup made with sweet potatoes, savory sausage, and a touch of cream for a smooth, rich flavor. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
- Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add cubed sweet potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Carefully transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, cooked sausage, salt, and pepper.
- Heat gently over low heat until warmed through. Do not boil.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth or simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American