Cozy Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe: Silky Comfort in a Bowl

When autumn’s crisp breeze whispers through golden leaves, a hearty sweet potato chowder recipe becomes the ultimate comfort companion.

Rich, creamy soups have always been my winter weakness.

This velvety blend combines earthy sweet potatoes with smoky undertones that warm you from the inside out.

Robust chunks of potato mingle with aromatic herbs and a hint of unexpected spice.

Each spoonful promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Nutritious ingredients come together in a soul-soothing pot of pure deliciousness.

Get ready to savor a bowl that turns ordinary meals into memorable moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s Needed for Sweet Potato Chowder

• Pancetta: Adds rich, salty depth and crispy texture to the chowder, choose high-quality Italian-style cured pork for best results.
• Butter: Creates a luxurious foundation for sautéing vegetables, opt for unsalted to control seasoning.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a savory, fragrant base that builds complex flavor layers, select firm, fresh bulbs without soft spots.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.
• Sage: Introduces an earthy, warm herb note that complements winter vegetables, choose fresh leaves for vibrant flavor.
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warming spice that elevates the sweetness of root vegetables, use freshly grated for best intensity.

• Carrots, Sweet Potato: Bring natural sweetness and hearty texture, pick firm, bright-colored vegetables without blemishes.
• Chicken Stock: Creates a rich, flavorful liquid base, homemade or high-quality store-bought works best.
• Cream, Coconut Milk: Provides creamy smoothness and richness, choose full-fat versions for most luxurious results.
• Kale: Introduces nutritious green element and slight bitterness, select crisp, dark leaves without yellowing.

• Roasted Pepitas: Adds crunchy texture and nutty flavor, toast lightly before serving for maximum crispness.

Soup-Making Tools for Sweet Potato Chowder

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking the chowder, with enough space to combine all ingredients.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing crispy pancetta without excess grease.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess fat from pancetta.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable cutting.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate stock and cream measurements.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the hot chowder.

Directions for Cooking Sweet Potato Chowder

• Pancetta Preparation

Sizzle pancetta in a spacious pot over gentle heat until crispy and releasing its rich flavor. Transfer to a paper towel, letting excess oil drip away.

• Aromatic Foundation

Melt butter in the same pot and introduce onions, garlic, and warming spices. Let the ingredients dance and soften, creating a fragrant base.

• Vegetable Symphony

Add vibrant carrots and sweet potatoes, stirring to create a colorful medley. Pour chicken stock and bring the mixture to a lively boil.

• Simmering Comfort

Lower the heat and let the chowder gently simmer. Allow sweet potatoes to become tender and absorb the surrounding flavors, approximately 20 minutes.

• Creamy Finale

Swirl in cream or coconut milk, creating a luxurious texture. Fold in fresh kale moments before serving, letting it softly wilt.

• Serving Flourish

Ladle the steaming chowder into bowls. Sprinkle crispy pancetta and crunchy roasted pepitas on top for a delightful contrast of textures.

Tips for Extra Creamy Chowder

• Replace pancetta with bacon, diced ham, or chorizo for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Skip the pancetta and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add depth. Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a completely plant-based version.
• Control the chowder's consistency by adjusting liquid amounts. Add more stock for a thinner soup or mash some sweet potatoes to create a thicker, creamier texture.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, celery, or spinach. Toss in cooked quinoa or white beans to increase protein content and make the chowder more filling.
• Introduce heat with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a bright, fresh finish.

Serve This Sweet Potato Soup Anytime

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty sourdough or rustic country bread to soak up the creamy chowder, adding delightful texture and warmth to each spoonful.
• Cozy Winter Comfort Plate: Pair the chowder with a small side salad featuring crisp mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
• Protein Power-Up: Sprinkle additional roasted pepitas or top with shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein and a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth chowder base.
• Beverage Harmony: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light amber ale to enhance the sweet potato and sage flavors in the chowder.

How to Store Sweet Potato Chowder Well

• Refrigerator Champion: Store this chowder in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping flavors locked and delicious. The sweet potatoes and kale maintain their texture wonderfully when chilled.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Safely freeze the chowder without the cream/coconut milk for maximum quality. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and stir in fresh cream during reheating for a silky consistency.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock if the chowder seems too thick, restoring its original creamy texture.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide chowder into individual meal-sized containers before refrigerating. This approach makes quick lunches or dinners super convenient, allowing you to grab and reheat exactly what you need.

Hearty Sweet Potato Chowder

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty sweet potato chowder celebrates rich flavors from Southern United States cuisine. Creamy ingredients blend seamlessly, offering comfort with each spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 5 cups (1.2 liters) reduced-sodium chicken stock
• 3 cups (approx. 450 g) sweet potato, chopped (about 1 inch in size)
• 2 cups (approx. 60 g) Tuscan kale, chopped
• 4 oz (113 g) pancetta, diced
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup (65 g) carrots, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp ground sage
• ¼ tsp freshly ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) cream (half and half, or coconut cream/milk)
• 3 tbsps roasted salted pepitas, for topping

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Instructions

1. Pancetta Preparation: Gently render pancetta in a large pot until crisp and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Remove pancetta, preserving the rendered fat, and set aside on paper towels.
2. Aromatic Base: In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until onions become translucent and fragrant, creating a robust flavor foundation.
3. Vegetable Integration: Add carrots and sweet potatoes to the aromatic mixture, ensuring thorough coating. Pour chicken stock and bring to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Flavor Development: Simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, allowing vegetables to tenderize and meld flavors. Stir periodically to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
5. Creamy Transformation: Incorporate cream or coconut milk, stirring to create a smooth, luxurious consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the chowder’s depth.
6. Final Flourish: Wilt kale into the chowder just before serving, maintaining its vibrant color. Plate in warm bowls, topping with crispy pancetta and roasted pepitas for a textural contrast.

Notes

• Pancetta Prep: Render fat slowly to achieve maximum crispiness and extract deep, rich flavor without burning the meat.
• Vegetable Cutting Technique: Julienne carrots and cube sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the chowder.
• Simmering Secret: Cover pot during cooking to lock in flavors and prevent excessive liquid evaporation, creating a more concentrated and robust taste profile.
• Kale Timing Matters: Add kale just before serving to maintain its bright green color and prevent overcooking, preserving nutrients and vibrant appearance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg