Saturday, November 13, 2010

Sweet Potato-Coconut Soup with Spicy Relish





We just had this for dinner and it was SO GOOD !!!  If you don't want it to be spicy I would just skip some or all of the red-pepper flakes. 
 
Serves: 4

Spicy Relish Ingredients:
1 Tbsp canola oil (we used olive oil)
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
Pinch of red-pepper flakes
1/2 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into a small dice
Salt and fresh black pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsely (We used cilantro.  We aren't parsely fans but we LOVE cilantro.  We thought it was a delicious substitute!)

Sweet Potato-Coconut Soup Ingredients:
1 1/2 Tbsp canola oil (again, we used olive oil . . . so much better for you!)
1 small red onion, chopped
2-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
Pinch of red-pepper flakes
3 cups homemade chicken stock
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into a large dice
1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
1 Tbsp clover honey
Large pinch of ground cinnamon

Directions:
1.  For relish: Heat oil and butter over medium heat.  Add red-pepper flakes; heat for 10 seconds.  Add the diced sweet potato, salt, and pepper.  Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 15 minutes over medium-low heat.  Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and cook until diced potatoes are golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes.  Transfer to a bowl; stir in parsley or cilantro.

2.  For soup: Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion and ginger; cook until soft 5-7 minutes.  Add red-pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.  Add stock and water; bring to a boil.  Add sweet potatoes; bring to a simmer.  Cook until potatoes are soft, 20 to 30 minutes.  Cool for 10 minutes.

3.  Transfer mixture to a blender (or food processor) and process until smooth.  Return to saucepan; simmer over low heat.  Whisk in coconut milk, honey, and cinnamon.  Cook until thickened and warmed through.  Season with salt and pepper.  Ladle into bowls; top with spoonful of spicy relish.