If you love simple yet flavorful dishes, this sweet potato leek recipe is a must-try!
Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness, while leeks add a mild, savory depth that perfectly balances the dish.
Whether you’re making a creamy soup, a hearty mash, or a roasted side, this combination creates a comforting and nutrient-packed meal.
Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with health benefits—rich in fiber,
vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion, immunity, and heart health.
Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for vegan or dairy-free diets.
Let’s dive into this wholesome and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any season!
How To Prepare Sweet Potato Leek Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Fusion
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed:
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by thoroughly washing the leek to remove any dirt trapped between the layers.
Slice the white and light green parts thinly. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté for about 5 minutes,
or until they become soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add Spices
Sprinkle the cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and salt over the leek and garlic mixture
Stir continuously for about 1 minute to toast the spices, enhancing their flavors.
4. Incorporate Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat them evenly with the spice and leek mixture.
5. Pour in Liquids
Pour in the vegetable broth and water, ensuring that the sweet potatoes are fully submerged. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a countertop blender, work in batches to blend the soup, being cautious with the hot liquid.
8. Final Seasoning
After blending, return the soup to the pot (if using a countertop blender).
Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
9. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts per Serving:
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with Crusty Bread
This creamy soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread, perfect for dipping and adding a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Add a Side Salad
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the soup, providing a balanced and nutritious meal.
Tips and Variations:
Spice It Up
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing of the aromatics.
Creamier Texture
To achieve an even creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of plain yogurt after blending.
Herb Variations
Experiment with different herbs like thyme or cilantro to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
7 Health Benefits
- Rich in Antioxidants
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports healthy skin and vision. - Boosts Immunity
The high vitamin C content in sweet potatoes and leeks helps strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses. - Supports Digestive Health
Both sweet potatoes and leeks are rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, prevents constipation, and supports gut health. - Heart-Friendly
Leeks contain flavonoids and allicin, which help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. - Sweet potatoes also contribute to heart health by lowering bad cholesterol.
- Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Despite their natural sweetness, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, - meaning they help maintain stable blood sugar levels and are suitable for people with diabetes.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Turmeric, leeks, and sweet potatoes all contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body and support joint health. - Great for Eye Health
The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes converts into vitamin A, which is essential for good vision and may help prevent age-related eye issues.
Note:
This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion:
This sweet potato and leek recipe is a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and comfort.
The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the mild, onion-like taste of leeks, creating a dish that’s both hearty and nourishing.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
Beyond its delicious taste, this dish offers numerous health benefits, from boosting immunity and digestion to supporting heart health.
Whether you enjoy it as a main dish with crusty bread or as a light appetizer, it’s a wholesome addition to any meal plan.
Try this recipe today, and let me know how you like it! Don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to make it your own. Happy cooking!