Sweet Potato Chowder.

by Jessica on October 14, 2019 44
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 This sweet potato chowder is a huge hug in a bowl for you! 

This sweet potato chowder is a hug in a bowl! Made with lots of greens and crunchy pancetta and pepitas for topping, it's a perfect weeknight meal.

Because… Monday. Yes yes. We all need a hug today. 

This sweet potato chowder is a hug in a bowl! Made with lots of greens and crunchy pancetta and pepitas for topping, it's a perfect weeknight meal.

Just LOOK AT THIS BOWL. I want to devour every last bite. 

This soup is super comforting and hearty. It’s so warming and flavorful, it’s ridiculous! It’s a soup that can easily be a meal, no salad or bread needed. Of course those are welcome additions and if you feel like pairing with some beer bread or a house salad, I don’t blame you.

This sweet potato chowder is a hug in a bowl! Made with lots of greens and crunchy pancetta and pepitas for topping, it's a perfect weeknight meal.

The whole pot starts off with some pancetta that we crisp up, then reserve for topping later. If you don’t eat meat, you can easily skip this part and use olive oil (or your oil of choice) to start everything off. The pancetta adds a lot of flavor and the crunch that I need on top. 

This sweet potato chowder is a hug in a bowl! Made with lots of greens and crunchy pancetta and pepitas for topping, it's a perfect weeknight meal.

The crunchy bits are what make it SO good. I’m never one to turn down a potato soup. I have a classic loaded potato soup recipe, as well as a loaded sweet potato soup too!

While they are both major comfort food, I always find that they need some texture on top. 

Or should I say… that I need some texture on top. 

Of course I do.

High maintenance for life!

My favorite way to add texture on top is the pancetta and a sprinkling of roasted, salted pepitas. So crunchy! So tasty! And so satisfying.

p.s.I actually loathe the word “tasty” but sometimes no other one will do. It’s a vibe. 

This sweet potato chowder is a hug in a bowl! Made with lots of greens and crunchy pancetta and pepitas for topping, it's a perfect weeknight meal.

After the soup simmers for a while, we’re going to toss in some tuscan kale too. I LOVE THIS. Getting in some greens, but in a warm bowl of comfort food, you know? I like to stir the greens in a few minutes before eating, because the kale holds a little crunch. It will soften by the next day for leftovers but it’s still super good.

Finally I stir in some milk or cream or even coconut cream. A little goes a long way and it makes the soup richer, more satisfying and overall more comforting. It’s not as brothy or thin and makes it FEEL like a heartier dish.

I mean, YUM. There is nothing like a giant pot of love to start the week off right.

This sweet potato chowder is a hug in a bowl! Made with lots of greens and crunchy pancetta and pepitas for topping, it's a perfect weeknight meal.

Sweet Potato Chowder

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4.96 from 71 votes
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Yield: 4 people
Sweet Potato Chowder
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
 
This sweet potato chowder is a hug in a bowl! Made with lots of greens and crunchy pancetta and pepitas for topping, it's a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
  • 4 ounces pancetta, diced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 sweet onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground sage
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup chopped carrots
  • 3 cups chopped sweet potato, about 1 inch in size
  • 5 cups reduced-sodium chicken stock
  • ⅓ cup cream, half and half or coconut cream/milk
  • 2 cups chopped tuscan kale
  • 3 tablespoons roasted salted pepitas, for topping
Instructions
  1. Heat a large pot over medium-low heat and add the pancetta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the pancetta is crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel lined plate to remove any excess grease.
  2. Keep the pot on medium low heat and add the butter. Stir in the onion, garlic, salt, pepper and sage. Stir in the fresh nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the carrots and sweet potato, tossing everything to combine.
  3. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce it to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Cover and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes cubes soften. Stir in the cream/halfhalf/etc. Taste the soup and season with additional salt or pepper if needed, but remember we will add the salty pancetta back on top too!
  4. A few minutes before serving, stir in the kale. I like to serve it almost immediately, but you can simmer the soup for another 10 minutes or so to soften it.
  5. Serve with the pancetta and pepitas for topping.
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I appreciate you so much!

This sweet potato chowder is a hug in a bowl! Made with lots of greens and crunchy pancetta and pepitas for topping, it's a perfect weeknight meal.

Acceptable to eat for breakfast? I think.

posted in Recipes, Soup/Stews
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