Moroccan Roasted Sweet Potato Soup

Embark on a culinary journey to Morocco with the Moroccan Roasted Sweet Potato Soup. This recipe, crafted by Angela Nilsen, transports you to the enchanting flavors of North Africa. The naturally sweet essence of roasted sweet potatoes, the aromatic allure of harissa, and the harmonious blend of spices come together to create a soup that’s both hearty and exciting. As you explore the flavors of this dish, let the warm pita bread and swirls of yogurt accompany you on this culinary adventure.

SERVES 4
PREP 20 MIN
COOK 50 MIN
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS
BEFORE THE YOGURT IS ADDED

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 lb (675g) sweet potatoes, cut into big chunks
• 6 large shallots, quartered
• 3 plump garlic cloves, unpeeled
• 1 carrot, cut into large chunks
• 1 tbsp harissa, plus extra to serve
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 quart (1 liter) hot vegetable stock
• 1 tsp honey
• Generous squeeze of lemon juice
• Natural yogurt, to serve
• Warm pita bread, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Roasting for Depth

1. Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
2. In a roasting pan, combine the chunks of sweet potatoes, quartered shallots, unpeeled garlic cloves, and carrot chunks.
3. Mix harissa with olive oil, creating a flavorful coating. Drizzle this mixture over the vegetables and toss well to ensure even coating. Season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper.
4. Roast the vegetable medley in the preheated oven, turning them occasionally. Roast for about 40 minutes or until the vegetables turn tender and develop a beautiful golden hue.

Step 2: Crafting the Base

1. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of their skins and into the roasting pan.
2. Stir in the hot vegetable stock and honey. Scrape up all the delicious caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan, ensuring you capture all that wonderful flavor.
3. Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and process until it transforms into a smooth and luscious consistency. Depending on the capacity of your blender, you might need to process the mixture in batches.

Step 3: Flavor Fusion and Reheating

1. Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and gently reheat it.
2. Add a generous squeeze of lemon juice, infusing the soup with a burst of brightness.
3. Season the soup to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4: A Moroccan Finale

1. Swirl the yogurt with a touch of extra harissa, creating a delightful and visually appealing garnish.
2. Serve the soup in bowls, topping each portion with a dollop of the harissa-swirled yogurt.
3. Accompany the soup with warm pita bread, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

With Moroccan Roasted Sweet Potato Soup, you’re embracing the rich and vibrant flavors of North Africa. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables, the gentle heat of harissa, and the creamy yogurt come together in a delightful symphony of tastes. Allow the warmth of this dish to envelop you as you savor each spoonful, and let the journey to Morocco be a culinary experience to remember.