Smoky Sweet Potato Soup with Bacon
Ingredients
3 slices smoked bacon, chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced*
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Directions
In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. In the pot, sauté onions and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, around 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using) and cayenne. Add sweet potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender, 27 to 30 minutes. Blend with immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Crumble bacon and garnish each bowl.
*Note:
Pro tip: Smaller sweet potatoes = thinner soup Larger sweet potatoes = thicker soup