Name: Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 heaping teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1½ pounds), peeled and cubed; 1 apple, peeled and chopped; 3 garlic cloves, grated; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 3 to 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk (reserve ¼ cup for garnish); Pepitas (pumpkin seeds), for garnish; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes, for garnish; Crusty bread, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 73 reviews

If you’re looking for a soup that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This luscious blend brings together the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes and crisp apple, combined with the creamy richness of coconut milk and a symphony of spices that dance on your tongue. It’s simple yet deeply satisfying, perfect for cozy evenings or whenever you want to nourish your soul with something comforting and vibrant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pot filled with a thick stew showing three main layers: at the bottom, a rich orange-brown liquid; on top of it, large chunks of bright orange sweet potatoes and pale yellow potatoes mixed throughout; a white creamy liquid is being poured from a clear glass jar into the center of the pot, lightening the stew's color near the pour. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot in the upper left, partially submerged in the stew. The pot is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is a brilliant example of how a handful of approachable ingredients can come together to create a soup bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an essential role in building this deliciously creamy, lightly spiced concoction.

Extra-virgin olive oil: The perfect base to gently sauté onions and build layers of flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a subtle, warm spice.
Sweet potatoes: The heart of the soup, offering creamy texture and inviting sweetness.
Apple: Adds crisp, fruity notes that brighten the dish.
Garlic cloves: Gives a savory punch and aromatic foundation.
Fresh ginger: Brings a refreshing zing to balance the sweetness.
Ground coriander: A warm, citrusy spice that complements the potatoes and apple.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky layer for complexity.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens and lifts the flavor with a touch of acidity.
Vegetable broth: Creates the savory, comforting liquid base.
Full-fat coconut milk: The creamy, tropical essence that rounds out the soup beautifully.
Pepitas, fresh cilantro, Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes: Optional garnishes for texture, aroma, and a hint of heat.
Crusty bread: Ideal for dipping and savoring every last spoonful.

How to Make Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Base

Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper, sautéing gently until the onion softens and turns translucent. This process reveals the sweetness hidden in the onion, forming the foundation for the soup’s flavor that you’ll fall in love with.

Step 2: Add Sweet Potatoes and Apple

Next, toss in the cubed sweet potatoes and chopped apple. Cook these together, stirring every now and then, so they start to soften and mingle. This step helps meld their flavors early on and prepares them to become luxuriously tender in the final soup.

Step 3: Incorporate Garlic, Spices, and Vinegar

Now, grate in the garlic and fresh ginger, then stir in ground coriander and smoked paprika. These spices add warmth and a subtle smoky edge, balancing out the sweetness. A splash of apple cider vinegar follows—it’s a masterstroke that adds brightness and lifts all the flavors to a lively crescendo.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Coconut Milk, Then Simmer

Pour three cups of vegetable broth and the rich, full-fat coconut milk into the pot, then bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, cover and simmer gently until the sweet potatoes become tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking transforms the ingredients into one harmonious swirl of comfort and creaminess.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth and Adjust

After simmering, allow the soup to cool for a bit before blending. Use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is silky smooth. If the soup feels too thick, simply add up to one more cup of broth to reach your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—it’s all about making this soup your own.

How to Serve Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with bright orange creamy soup is at the center, with a wooden spoon resting inside, partially covered by the soup looking smooth and thick. Swirls of white cream and small black pepper specks float on top, creating a soft pattern. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by two orange sweet potatoes on the lower left, a small white bowl of green pumpkin seeds below, a bunch of green fresh leaves at the bottom right, a red apple on the upper right, and a small wooden bowl with green sprouts to the upper right behind the soup bowl. A blue cloth is draped around the bowl handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Presentation can elevate this soup from lovely to unforgettable. A swirl of reserved coconut milk not only adds beautiful contrast but brings an added layer of creaminess right at the end. Sprinkle pepitas for a pleasant crunch, fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of herbal brightness, and a pinch of Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes for a gentle kick that keeps you wanting more.

Side Dishes

Serving this soup alongside warm, crusty bread is a match made in heaven. The bread is perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop of those silky flavors. Alternatively, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide a fresh counterpoint that balances the richness of the soup marvelously.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and sprinkle a few toasted coconut flakes on top to emphasize the tropical element. You can also consider serving it in small cups as an elegant starter at dinner parties. Either way, it’s a dish that looks as cozy and inviting as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries—this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

The Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe also freezes beautifully. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it a fantastic recipe to prep in advance for busy weeks.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then heat gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a splash of broth or coconut milk if the soup has thickened too much. Warm, comforting, and just as delicious as day one!

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While canned sweet potatoes might save time, fresh sweet potatoes provide a better texture and flavor depth that’s essential to this recipe’s creamy and slightly sweet character. For the best results, stick to fresh.

Is this soup suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! This Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe is completely plant-based, using vegetable broth and coconut milk, making it perfect for vegans and anyone looking for a dairy-free meal.

What can I substitute if I don’t have coconut milk?

While coconut milk gives this soup its unique richness, you can substitute it with full-fat canned evaporated milk or a creamy plant-based milk like cashew milk. Keep in mind the flavor will be less tropical and slightly less rich.

Can I add protein to make this a heartier meal?

Definitely. Stirring in cooked chickpeas or lentils after blending adds protein and makes it a more filling main dish. Roasted tofu or shredded chicken are tasty non-vegetarian options to try as well.

How spicy is this soup?

The heat level is quite mild. The Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes are optional garnishes that allow you to control the spice to your liking. The warmth mainly comes from ginger and spices like coriander and smoked paprika, which add complexity without overwhelming heat.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato and Apple Coconut Soup Recipe is the type of comfort food that feels both indulgent and nourishing at the same time. It’s easy to prepare, filled with vibrant flavors, and versatile enough to suit many occasions. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find that each spoonful invites a little moment of joy and warmth that’s simply impossible to resist.