This purple sweet potato soup was made from a local varietal of sweet potatoes that have a purple skin and white flesh. I did not peel the skin, to retain all the health benefits, and so the colour is quite dark. The recipe is simple to make and you can bulk this up to freeze for later.
Skip ahead to the recipe for Purple Sweet Potato Soup
Purple Sweet Potatoes
For years, we only ever had orange sweet potatoes in South Africa. But, recently I have seen purple sweet potatoes at our local supermarket. I was making some sweet potato scones, and decided to use the rest to make this soup. Now, the colour is not great, but the taste was fantastic. The sweet potato is part of the morning glory family, and the flesh and skin comes in a variety of colours. The leaves can be eaten as greens, preparing them in the same way you would do with spinach. High in vitamin A and also a good source of vitamin C, B6 and manganese, sweet potatoes are a good source of nutrition. The orange fleshed cultivars have more beta-carotene in them, and are grown in Africa more than any other variety, due to the vitamin A deficiency experienced by a lot of the population.
Kara sweet potatoes
Grown locally in South Africa, kara sweet potatoes are only available at Woolworths. I buy all my fresh produce from them, and previously, I have created recipes for the company. This is by no means an advert for the business, but, I am sharing with my readers where I do my shopping and why. One of the most important factors in my home when it comes to food, is reducing any wastage. I buy fresh food as and when I need it, but it still needs to last. The cold chain is vital to this, as well as the packaging, and treatment of the fruit and vegetables. I believe that Woolworths does this better than anyone else, which is evidenced by how little we throw out. Where do you buy your fresh produce from, and why?
Take a look at this inspiring recipe for ♥ Purple Sweet Potato Soup ♥ from Lavender and Lime #LavenderAndLime Share on X
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Purple Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 330 g sweet potatoes, diced
- 15 mls olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to season
- 1 shallot, peeled and finely diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 500 mls vegetable stock
- 2.5 mls ground ginger
- 10 g parsley, roughly chopped
- 125 mls water
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200° Celsius
- Place the potatoes into an oven proof dish, drizzle with olive oil, season generously and place into the oven to roast for 30 minutes
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over a medium temperature
- Add the shallots and cook until soft
- Add the celery, and cook until tender
- Add the stock and ginger, season to taste and then bring to the boil
- Reduce the temperature and simmer until the celery is soft
- Add the parsley, and ¾ of the roasted potatoes and blend until smooth
- Add the water, and the rest of the potatoes, stir to combine and heat through
- Adjust the seasoning and serve
See the links below for blog posts I published on July 14:
- 2024: How To Age Disgracefully
- 2021: Dumplings And Noodles
- 2019: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- 2017: Spicy Tomato Relish
- 2016: Cuban Pork Chops
- 2015: Griwech | Algerian Pastry
- 2014: Bibimbap
- 2013: Waiting For Wednesday
- 2012: Food Quiz Number 75 For A Friday
- 2011: Sweet Chilli Sauce Duck
- 2010: Roast Chicken
It looks interesting. It is something I have not considered.
Thank you Marsha, it was a recipe created as a whim 🙂
Just wondering what a cold chain is? I think we have a few colours of sweet potato here – purple orange white. I do like the orange.
Sherry
A cold chain is an uninterrupted, temperature-controlled supply chain used to preserve perishable goods. It involves refrigerated production, storage, transport, and monitoring to maintain product safety, quality, and efficacy. Not only for food stuffs, but for certain medications as well 🙂
Sounds great and the depth of the colour actually makes it look more ‘substantial’ and inviting! Methinks we sometimes do get the purple sweet potatoes here – seem to remember it being advertised recently . . .
Let me know if you do! I am buying them more often now as they are very tasty 🙂
That looks like a perfect winter warmer!
Thanks so much! It was indeed perfect 🙂
Yes, we often make potatoe soup, but never tried with sweet potatoes. Must try!
Greetings by Heidrun ❤️
let me know if you liked it!
Yum. It looks and sounds comforting and delicious.
thank you!
Looks delicious, Tandy! This sounds so warm and comforting.
It was perfect for the mild winter we are having 🙂
The purple sweet potato is supposed to be really healthy. This recipe looks easy and delicious. Worth giving it a try- thanks
Let me know if you make it Judee 🙂
We get purple sweet potatoes here too, though usually with the deep purple flesh.
I’d be curious to try your version with the white flesh.
The soup looks hearty and wholesome. 😋
And I would love to try with your purple fleshed ones 🙂
Purple sweet potatoes are a gem of a find! It’s been a while since I got my hands on them and I miss their creamy texture and sweet, nutty flavor. They really are better than the common orange type.
I am glad you think the same as I do 🙂
looks delicious!
Thank you Balvinder 🙂