Warm, wholesome and ready in around 30 minutes.
This friendly recipe turns simple ingredients into a comforting bowl.
Start with a large, deep-sided saucepan so the onion and onions can soften evenly. Peel and chop 650g of sweet potatoes and 450g of carrots, then sweat them with garlic and a touch of pepper.
Add stock, bring to a gentle heat and simmer until the veg is tender. A high-quality blender gives you a perfectly smooth texture for the family to enjoy.
Season with salt and salt pepper to taste, and finish with chopped parsley. Serve with fresh bread for a simple, satisfying meal that sits well among other trusted soup recipes.
Key Takeaways
- Use a large, deep-sided saucepan to cook evenly.
- Peel and chop 650g sweet potatoes and 450g carrots for this recipe.
- Simmer in stock for about 30 minutes until tender.
- Blend until smooth with a good blender for best texture.
- Season with garlic, salt and pepper; serve with fresh bread.
Why You Will Love This Mary Berry Sweet Potato Soup
A fragrant blend of gentle spice and natural sweetness makes this dish memorable.
This recipe offers a unique sweet-and-spicy taste that pairs beautifully with smoky chorizo sausage. The contrast lifts the base and adds restaurant-style depth with little effort.
It’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to food option for a quick lunch. The method is forgiving, so even busy cooks can achieve great results.
Many soup recipes miss the layered flavour found here. This version balances sweetness and heat so it appeals to adults and children alike.
- Versatile: serves as a light meal or starter.
- Healthy: uses natural ingredients for clean flavour.
- Quick: ready in around 30 minutes.
Follow these easy recipes and you’ll create a warming bowl that tastes fantastic every time.
| Feature | Benefit | Ideal Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet-and-spicy taste | Complex, warming flavour | Smoky chorizo |
| Simple method | Great for busy days | Crusty bread |
| Family friendly | Popular with all ages | Light salad |
| Quick prep | Ready in ~30 minutes | Grated cheese |
Essential Ingredients for Your Kitchen
A well-stocked kitchen makes this warming recipe quick and stress-free.
Fresh Produce
650g sweet potatoes and 450g carrots are the core of the dish.
Peel and chop them into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Use one large onion (or two small onions) and two cloves of garlic.
These build a savoury base and pair well with a pinch of pepper.
Pantry Staples
Keep 1 litre of vegetable stock ready as the cooking liquid.
Measure 1 tbsp olive oil to sweat the onions and garlic—this adds depth without excess fat.
Stock your shelves with smoked paprika, salt and other spices so your soup recipes stay flexible.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 650g | Base flavour and body |
| Carrots | 450g | Colour and beta-carotene |
| Vegetable stock | 1 litre | Cooking liquid |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Sweat onions & garlic |
| Onion & garlic | 1 onion, 2 cloves | Flavour foundation |
These ingredients create a reliable base for the recipe.
Gather them before you start to keep the cooking simple and enjoyable in your kitchen.
Preparing Your Vegetables for the Pan
Get the base right and the rest follows easily.
Warm the oil in a wide pan over medium heat so the aromatics can release their flavour.
Start by sweating the onion and garlic for several minutes until soft and translucent.
Keep the pan on medium heat to avoid browning.
Peel and roughly chop 650g of sweet potatoes and 450g of carrots.
Cut the pieces evenly so the potatoes and carrots cook at the same pace.
Once the oil large pan is ready, add the prepared veg.
Stir well to coat them in the aromatic base and cook for a few minutes before adding stock.
- Use a roomy pan and keep the heat steady on medium heat.
- Sweat onions and garlic for several minutes; this builds depth.
- Add the sweet potatoes and carrots and stir to combine before simmering.
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pan | Warm oil over medium heat | 1–2 minutes |
| Aromatics | Sweat onion & garlic | 3–5 minutes |
| Add veg | Stir in sweet potatoes & carrots | 2–3 minutes |
Cooking the Soup to Perfection
Follow a few simple steps to reach the ideal texture and flavour.
Begin by getting the 1 litre of vegetable stock up to temperature so flavours can fully develop when the veg joins it. Bring the stock to a boil, then reduce the heat and return the roasted vegetables to the pan.
Achieving the Right Consistency
Simmer the mix for about 20 minutes, depending on how large the chunks are, until the vegetables are tender. This ensures the carrots and potatoes break down easily during blending.
Stir in 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of smoked paprika early in the simmer. The oil creates a rich fat base that lifts flavour and gives the soup a silkier mouthfeel.
- After the veg are soft, use a blender to whizz the mixture into a smooth purée; remove any stubborn lumps.
- Always season to taste with salt and pepper before serving — this balances the natural sweetness.
- Cook for the full number of minutes suggested so the texture is even and creamy.
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | Bring to a boil | Melds flavours and speeds cooking |
| Simmer | 20 minutes | Softens veg for a smooth blend |
| Finish | Blend & season | Creates silky texture and balanced taste |
Blending for a Smooth Texture
A strong blender transforms the cooked veg into a creamy base that lifts every flavour in the bowl. Work in short bursts and check the texture between blends to avoid over-processing.
Blending properly makes all the difference. Start with the lid secure and a folded tea towel over it to let steam escape slowly. This keeps hot liquid safe and prevents splashes.
If the purée feels too thick, add a little warm vegetable stock and blend again until it reaches the right spoonable consistency for your soup. Taste and adjust seasoning after thinning.
- Use a high-powered blender to whizz the mixture to a silky purée.
- Blending the sweet potatoes and potato thoroughly gives a professional texture.
- If needed, loosen with extra stock rather than cold water for best flavour.
Serving Suggestions with Fresh Bread
A steaming bowl tastes best when paired with crusty, fresh bread for dipping. This simple pairing turns a quick meal into a comfort classic.
Adding smoky chorizo
Fry 100g of diced chorizo in a pan over moderate heat for a few minutes until it is crisp and has released its natural fat. Keep the flame steady so the meat crisps without burning.
Garnishing with Parsley
Top each bowl with 3 tbsp of chopped flat-leaf parsley to add a bright, fresh finish. Add a light dusting of pepper and an extra drizzle of olive oil if you like.
“A little crisp chorizo and a handful of parsley lift the whole dish.”
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy base of the recipe.
- Remember that smoky paprika in the mix pairs beautifully with the fried chorizo.
- Finally, season to taste and enjoy this popular home-style option from our recipes collection.
Storing Your Leftovers for Later
Careful storage keeps the flavour and texture you worked for.
Let leftovers cool fully before moving them to storage. This prevents condensation and keeps the mix fresh.
Transfer the cooled batch into an airtight container. Use a quality tub so the mix does not take on other odours in the fridge.
You can store leftover sweet potato purée and related veg in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lid tight and label with the date so nothing is forgotten.
When you reheat, warm the portion gently until it is piping hot throughout. Stir while heating to restore a smooth texture and to keep the potatoes and sweet potatoes evenly warmed.
- Cool fully before packing.
- Use a sealed container to protect flavour.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days for best quality.
- Reheat until piping hot to preserve texture.
| Action | Why it matters | Recommended time |
|---|---|---|
| Cool to room temperature | Prevents condensation | 30–60 minutes |
| Seal in container | Avoids odours and contamination | Immediate |
| Refrigerate | Preserves freshness | Up to 3 days |
Conclusion
A few final notes will help you lock in flavour and store leftovers safely.
This simple, healthy recipe makes a comforting potato soup that works any day of the week. Use fresh garlic cloves and a good quality vegetable stock to lift the base flavour.
The blend of sweet potato, onion and carrots gives balanced texture and taste. Finish with a scatter of chopped parsley and a grind of pepper for brightness.
Cool leftovers, transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for several days. Try other soup recipes for more simple food ideas in your kitchen.
FAQ
How long does it take to prepare and cook this recipe?
What type of oil should I use to sweat the onions and garlic?
Can I use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock?
How do I achieve a silky, lump-free texture when blending?
What spices and seasonings work best with this recipe?
Can I add other vegetables like carrots or parsnips?
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead and reheat later?
How should I store leftover soup in the fridge or freezer?
Can I add protein like chorizo or bacon when serving?
What bread pairs well with this creamy recipe?
Are there any tips for reducing fat while keeping flavour?
How much salt and pepper should I add during cooking?
Mary Berry Sweet Potato Soup
A warm, wholesome sweet potato soup that combines simple ingredients into a comforting bowl, perfect for a quick lunch or light meal.
Ingredients
- 650g sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 450g carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Smoked paprika to taste
- Chopped flat-leaf parsley for garnish
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep-sided saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sweat for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the sweet potatoes and carrots, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper.
- Use a high-powered blender to blend the soup until smooth, adding more stock if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and accompanied by crusty bread.
