If you’re craving a cozy, velvety dish that warms you from the inside out, this Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful blend of naturally sweet sweet potatoes with a subtle smoky and spicy kick, all cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting friends on a chilly evening, this soup is guaranteed to hit that comfort food spot with ease and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and creaminess that will have you coming back for more. From aromatic onions to warming spices, every element plays a key role in creating this magical bowl of soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and adds a slight fruity richness to the base.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Provides a sweet, savory depth that balances out the earthy sweet potatoes.
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled & cut into rough 2″ pieces): The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and creamy texture when cooked.
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Builds the soup’s savory backbone and keeps it hearty but not heavy.
- 1 cup water: Thins out the broth slightly to achieve the perfect soup consistency.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular is ok too): Introduces a subtle smokiness and warmth that elevate the soup’s complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a gentle spice note that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that brighten and balance all the flavors.
- Heavy cream or coconut milk (to taste, optional): For creamy richness if you prefer your soup silky and indulgent.
How to Make Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your onion and peeling the sweet potatoes, cutting them into roughly 2-inch pieces. Having everything prepped and ready sets you up for a smooth cooking process and ensures that flavors develop evenly in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is crucial as it releases the natural sweetness of the onion, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the sweet potatoes, followed by the broth, water, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Ensure the pressure valve is set to “sealing,” then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. This pressure cooking rapidly softens the sweet potatoes, melding all those wonderful spices into the broth.
Step 4: Quick Release Pressure
Once the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release to let out the steam. This stops the cooking immediately, ensuring your sweet potatoes don’t become mushy but stay just right for blending.
Step 5: Blend and Season
Use a stick blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup in batches to a blender (letting it cool slightly will help avoid splatters). Puree until silky smooth. Now comes the fun part — season generously with salt and pepper. If you want an extra creamy touch, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk starting with about half a cup, adding more if you prefer your soup extra lush.
How to Serve Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes turns your soup from delicious to dazzling. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, a swirl of creamy coconut milk or cream, and even a dash of crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds all add exciting textures and fresh flavors.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic naan for dipping. A crisp green salad or a hearty grain bowl alongside can round out a meal that’s both satisfying and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an inviting look. For a fun twist at gatherings, offer a soup bar with several garnish options so everyone can personalize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It’s a perfect ready-to-go meal when life gets busy.
Freezing
This soup freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It keeps fresh for up to three months and is an easy comfort food to pull out on cold nights.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual servings, just be sure to cover to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in this soup?
While sweet potatoes are the star here, you can certainly substitute with regular potatoes, but the soup won’t have the same natural sweetness and depth of flavor that makes this recipe special.
Is it necessary to add cream or coconut milk?
Nope! Adding cream or coconut milk is optional. It lends a richer texture and taste, but the soup is delicious and creamy without it thanks to the blended sweet potatoes.
How spicy is this soup?
The smoked paprika and cinnamon add warmth and smokiness but no real heat. If you want a little spice kick, you can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of chicken broth and heavy cream, and you’ll have a delicious vegan Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup Recipe.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double it, but make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. Cook in batches if necessary to keep things safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that feels fancy but is effortless enough for any day of the week. The combination of natural sweetness, smoky spices, and creamy texture is simply magical, and your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aromas. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try — I guarantee it will become a treasured staple in your mealtime lineup.
Print
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including pressure build and release time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish made with tender sweet potatoes, aromatic spices, and a smooth blend of ingredients. Perfect for a quick and wholesome meal, this soup combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with smoky paprika and a hint of cinnamon, all cooked effortlessly in an Instant Pot for a rich and velvety texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into rough 2-inch pieces
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika is okay too)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Heavy cream or coconut milk, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and roughly chop the sweet potatoes into 2-inch pieces. Chop half a medium onion finely.
- Sauté Onion: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, add olive oil, and cook the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Pressure Cook: Add the sweet potatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, water, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon into the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow 10-15 minutes for the pot to come to pressure before the cooking timer starts.
- Release Pressure: When the cooking time is done, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to venting to release the steam.
- Blend Soup: Using an immersion stick blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth, or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Let it cool slightly if needed. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk starting with 1/2 cup and add more to reach your preferred creaminess.
Notes
- For a richer soup, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if you prefer less smoky flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning generously with salt and pepper; sweet potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning.
- Use coconut milk if you want a dairy-free or vegan alternative to heavy cream.
- To make the soup spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes during cooking.
