Sweet Potato & Pear Soup

By krystallondon

A sweet and warming winter soup with a hint of heat from the paprika and a touch of thyme that recalls the taste of the Caribbean. This is comfort food, but with an edge of sophistication that makes it equally appropriate for a dinner party.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup (50mL) chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped celery
• 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 pears, peeled and diced
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried thyme
• 1 tsp (5 mL) paprika
• 5 cups (1.25 L) chicken broth (low salt canned or homemade)
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) whipping cream, optional
• 2 tsp (10 mL) maple syrup, or to taste
• 2 tsp (10 mL) lime juice, or to taste
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Details

Servings 8

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a pot, heat butter on medium heat. Add onion, carrot and celery and sauté for 1 minute. Add sweet potatoes, pears and thyme and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add paprika and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes or until sweet potato is soft.

2. Purée in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return to pot.

3. Add cream, maple syrup and lime juice. Simmer for 5 minutes. If soup is too thick add a little extra broth.

4. Season with salt and pepper, adding more syrup or lime juice as needed. Can be made up to 2 days ahead of time.