A Comforting, Velvety Soup with a Citrus Twist
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy, homemade soup. And when that soup is made with sweet potatoes, fresh orange zest, and a hint of ginger, it transforms into something truly special.
This Sweet Potato Soup with Orange Zest is one of our favorite go-to recipes for chilly evenings. It’s smooth, naturally sweet, and has a bright citrus note that keeps every spoonful exciting. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients—so it’s as nourishing as it is delicious!
🍠 Why Sweet Potatoes Make the Best Soup
Sweet potatoes are naturally rich, creamy, and packed with vitamins. They’re high in fiber, antioxidants, and beta-carotene, making them a great immune booster—especially during the colder months.
How We Discovered This Flavor Combination
The first time we made this soup, we were actually trying to repurpose leftover sweet potatoes from a holiday meal. We had some fresh oranges on the counter, so we decided to experiment with a citrus twist.
And wow—the results were incredible! The orange zest added just the right amount of brightness, balancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Since then, this has become a staple recipe in our kitchen, especially when we need something warm, cozy, and nourishing.
🍊 What’s So Special About Orange Zest?
Orange zest brings a pop of citrus flavor without overpowering the dish. It adds a slight freshness that makes the soup feel lighter and more complex.
The Secret to a Velvety-Smooth Texture
The best part of this soup? That ultra-creamy texture! Here’s how to achieve it:
✔️ Use an immersion blender for a silky-smooth consistency.
✔️ Let the soup cool slightly before blending—this prevents splattering.
✔️ Add a splash of coconut milk for extra richness.
If you love soups that feel like a warm hug, this one is for you!
🥄 Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time? Absolutely!
This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet & Spicy
While the sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness, we love adding a bit of ginger and cumin for a warm, slightly spicy kick. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a soup that’s both comforting and refreshing.
And if you love spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper—it gives just the right amount of heat!
🔥 Want Extra Depth of Flavor? Roast Your Sweet Potatoes!
Instead of boiling the sweet potatoes, try roasting them at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. This brings out even more rich, caramelized flavors.
How to Serve This Sweet Potato & Orange Zest Soup
This soup is delicious on its own, but we love pairing it with:
🥖 Crusty sourdough bread for dipping.
🥗 A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
🌿 Toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts for a crunchy topping.
🥶 Can I Freeze This Soup? Yes!
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Ready to Cook? Here’s the Full Recipe! 🍠🍊
This Sweet Potato Soup with Orange Zest is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for meal prepping. Let’s get cooking!
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ It’s naturally creamy & dairy-free.
✔️ The orange zest adds a unique, refreshing twist.
✔️ Super easy to make & meal-prep friendly.
✔️ Warm, comforting, and packed with nutrients!
We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! If you try it, be sure to tag us on Instagram or leave a comment—we love seeing your creations. Happy cooking! 🍠🍊💛
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh orange juice about 2 oranges
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For Garnishing (Optional):
- A swirl of coconut cream
- Toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
- Extra orange zest
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until soft (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and cumin, stirring to coat.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes or until sweet potatoes are soft.
- Blend Until Smooth: Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or blend in batches using a regular blender).
- Add Citrus Flavor: Stir in the fresh orange juice and orange zest, mixing well.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with coconut cream.
- Top with toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs, or extra orange zest for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make It Extra Creamy: Blend in ½ cup coconut milk for an ultra-rich texture.
- Prefer a Spicy Kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Make It Ahead: This soup stores beautifully—keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Pairing Idea: Serve with crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Soup with Orange Zest 🍠🍊
🔥 Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed.
🥶 Can I Freeze This Soup?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
🍊 Is the Orange Flavor Strong?
Not at all! The orange zest and juice add a subtle brightness without overpowering the soup. It’s a gentle citrus note that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
🌿 Can I Add More Spices?
Of course! If you love extra spice, try adding:
✔️ Cayenne pepper for a little heat.
✔️ Smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
✔️ Curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist.
🥄 How Can I Make This Soup Extra Creamy?
For an even silkier texture, try:
✔️ Adding coconut milk or plant-based cream.
✔️ Using a high-powered blender for a super smooth consistency.
✔️ Roasting the sweet potatoes first for a richer, caramelized flavor.
🍞 What Should I Serve With This Soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with:
🥖 Crusty bread or warm pita for dipping.
🥗 A fresh green salad with citrus dressing.
🌿 Toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
🧄 Can I Use Pre-Cooked Sweet Potatoes?
Yes! If you have leftover roasted or steamed sweet potatoes, just blend them with broth and spices—it makes the process even faster!
💡 Have More Questions?
We’re happy to help! Drop a comment below or tag us on Instagram with your soup creations. Happy cooking! 🍠🍊🥄💛
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