If you’re craving a comforting bowl of warmth that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, hearty, and slightly smoky elements that come together beautifully to create a satisfying dish. The tender sweet potatoes combined with fresh vegetables and a touch of cream make this chowder both nourishing and indulgent, ideal for cozy dinners or sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe plays a vital role, contributing to its rich texture, vibrant color, and delicious taste. The blend of fresh veggies, warming spices, and creamy elements ensures every spoonful feels like a hug in a bowl.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and adding a subtle richness to the base.
- 1 small onion (diced): Builds the foundational sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a fragrant punch that elevates all the other ingredients.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced): The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and creaminess.
- 2 carrots (sliced): Provides earthiness and a lovely pop of color.
- 2 celery stalks (sliced): Adds subtle crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a gentle smoky warmth that makes the flavors shine.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a hint of herbal brightness for depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the other flavors, so don’t be shy here.
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: The liquid base that ties everything together, adding savory richness.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen): Adds sweetness and a delightful bite in every spoonful.
- 1 cup milk or dairy-free alternative: Lightens the texture while contributing subtle creaminess.
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional): A luscious addition that transforms this chowder into pure indulgence.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish: Fresh herbal notes to brighten the final dish.
How to Make Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onion and creates a flavorful base for your chowder. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This gentle sauté sets the stage for a delicious chowder.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next, add the diced sweet potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Let them cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors while softening the vegetables slightly. Once they’re nicely coated and starting to soften, sprinkle the smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the top. These spices bring warmth and a pleasant earthiness to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer the Chowder
Pour in the broth and bring everything up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender. This simmering step melds the flavors together and creates the robust body in this Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe that makes it so satisfying.
Step 4: Add Creaminess and Corn
After your vegetables are tender, stir in the corn kernels, milk, and the optional heavy or coconut cream. Allow the chowder to simmer for another 5 minutes, letting the creaminess come through while the corn adds a sweet, textural dimension. For an even richer, creamier texture, consider mashing a few chunks of the sweet potato with a spoon or blending a portion of the chowder and then mixing it back in – this trick gives you the best of both worlds.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Give the chowder a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This final seasoning step ensures your chowder is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor. When ready to serve, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the top to add a pop of color and fresh brightness to each bowl.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your chowder to something special. Freshly chopped parsley or green onions offer a burst of freshness and slight crunch, balancing the creamy texture beautifully. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can also add that extra touch of warmth and aroma.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last droplet. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast, while roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw bring complementary textures to the table for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chowder in hollowed-out bread bowls or small cast iron skillets for individual portions. You can also top each bowl with crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added texture and visual appeal. Presentation is the perfect way to make this cozy dish feel extra special whether for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sweet Potato Chowder is a fantastic recipe to make ahead and enjoy later. Simply transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Flavors often deepen after resting, making reheated chowder even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This chowder freezes beautifully if you want to prepare in bulk. Cool it completely then store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When freezing, consider leaving out the cream and adding it fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chowder gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if it feels too thick, and adjust the seasoning to refresh the flavors. Avoid boiling to keep that silky, creamy consistency that makes this chowder so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I make this Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a rich, dairy-free alternative. It’s just as delicious and packed with flavor.
How can I make the chowder thicker?
Mashing some of the sweet potato chunks or blending a portion of the soup and stirring it back in will naturally thicken the chowder without needing a roux or flour.
Can I add protein to this chowder?
Yes, cooked bacon or sausage can be stirred in for extra flavor and heartiness. For a vegetarian protein boost, try adding cooked chickpeas or white beans.
What kind of sweet potatoes work best?
You want firm, fresh sweet potatoes with a vibrant orange color. They hold their shape well and become perfectly creamy when simmered in the chowder.
Is this chowder gluten-free?
Yes, this Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for comforting gluten-free meals.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Its beautiful balance of creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and smoky spice makes it impossible not to fall in love. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy the joyful experience of making something both healthy and indulgent in your own kitchen.
Print
Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy sweet potato chowder packed with tender vegetables and warming spices. This hearty soup combines sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, and corn in a spiced vegetable broth enriched with milk and cream, perfect for cozy fall meals. Easily made vegetarian or vegan by swapping cream and broth, it’s a versatile recipe that delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional for richness)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent to release their natural sweetness.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, diced sweet potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables. Season with smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, blending the spices evenly throughout.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until all the vegetables are fully tender and flavors have melded.
- Add corn and creaminess: Stir in the corn kernels, milk, and cream or coconut cream if using. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 5 minutes to heat through and develop a creamy texture.
- Adjust texture and seasoning: For a thicker and creamier chowder, mash some sweet potato chunks with a spoon or blend a portion of the soup in a blender, then return it to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving warm.
Notes
- This chowder can be made vegan by using vegetable broth and substituting coconut cream for heavy cream.
- Add cooked bacon or sausage to the chowder for additional smoky flavor if not vegetarian.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
