Christmas

Coriander and Sweet Potato Soup with Spicy Chickpea Croutons

January 10, 2015
4
7 Ratings
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

In these cold days of winter, I think there is nothing better than a cup of warm and healthy soup that is flavored with different kinds of spices -- just like this Coriander and Sweet Potato Soup. What makes this soup so delicious is the freshly ground coriander seeds added at the very beginning, while cooking the onions. To add an additional layer of flavor and crunch, I topped it off with oven-roasted spicy garbanzo beans as croutons. It ended up being a delicious and super healthy soup that is perfect after the holidays -- when our bodies are in need of healing from all the over eating we did during the holidays. —Aysegul Sanford

Test Kitchen Notes

Don't let this simple ingredient list fool you. This soup packs loads of really comforting flavor along with a lovely creamy texture. The cilantro adds a beautiful fresh note -- and those crispy garbanzo beans...I could dive face first into a bowl of those babies! Definitely a keeper! —deneen

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Ingredients
  • For the chickpea croutons:
  • 30 ounces canned Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 dash hot sauce (optional)
  • For the soup:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pieces medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 6 cups vegetable stock
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
  2. Lay two layers of paper towels on the kitchen counter. Spread the rinsed garbanzo beans over them to dry. With the help of another piece of paper towel, dry the beans as much as possible. Once dried, transfer them to a mixing bowl.
  3. Mix the oil, spices, and hot sauce (if using) in a small bowl. Drizzle the mixture over the chickpeas, making sure that they are coated with the oil and spice mixture.
  4. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until crisp and golden, tossing a couple of times during baking to ensure even cooking. Take them out of the oven and set aside to cool.
  5. To make the soup: Heat the oil in a Dutch oven (or any other heavy bottom pan). Add the onion and shallot. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat, until translucent, 7 to 8 minutes.
  6. Add the garlic, ground coriander, salt and pepper, and mix until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in the sweet potatoes and mix until coated with the spices and onions, 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are soft.
  9. Purée the soup in a blender or a food processor in batches. Return it back to the pot and heat until warm. If you feel that it is too thick, you can add in a little bit of water and bring it back to a boil.
  10. When ready to serve, garnish the soup with a handful of chickpea croutons, fresh herbs, a pinch of coarse sea salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

8 Reviews

Rosemary December 22, 2020
An approximate weight for the sweet potatoes would be useful.
Pete M. October 27, 2020
It's pretty good, as is. I thought the coriander wasn't enough, though, and added cumin and little fenugreek.
andi November 10, 2019
Delicious...freshly ground coriander makes a huge difference!
Adrienne March 1, 2016
This was SOOOOO good. A nice change from the many sweet cream based sweet potato soups. I found the croutons quite spicy (might have been the generous dash of siracha). I luckily enjoy hot, but you might want to omit the hot sauce if that's not your thing.
Aysegul S. March 2, 2016
Great insight. Thank you Adrienne. This is one of our favorite soups as well. :)
deneen January 21, 2015
I tested this recipe last night & have to let you know just how much my entire family loved it!! I'm going to a soup swap this weekend & I think I'll be making this for my offering - enjoyed it just that much.
Aysegul S. April 29, 2015
I am so glad they loved it. Thank you SO much for letting me know..
byb January 12, 2015
This soup sounds absolutely wonderful! And so perfect for a cold evening. Thanks for sharing and good luck!