Creamy Purple Sweet Potato Soup

This vegan, creamy, purple sweet potato soup is a vibrant, nourishing bowl made with simple, wholesome ingredients. A hormone-supportive, immune-boosting recipe that’s perfect for chilly nights and fall evenings and packed with flavor, nutrients, and antioxidant-rich purple vegetables.

I absolutely love cooking fall soups, especially with purple food – that vivid color is stunning every time; it’s the fact that nature has created something so beautiful and so good for us. This purple sweet potato soup is one of those comforting fall soups that is naturally sweet, packed with nourishing ingredients, and supports health on every level.

Whether you’re curled up under a blanket on a cool evening or looking for something creative and new in your recipe rotation, this soup is a gorgeous and grounding choice.  If you’re in the mood for something hearty, you might enjoy this Easy Creamy Sweet Potatoes as another option for your table.

Creamy Purple Sweet Potato Soup

I first made this soup after moving to US. At that time, sweet potatoes weren’t readily available in Poland, or they were difficult to find or not very popular. I did not remember seeing them. I didn’t even know what they were at the time—just that their purple skin and unusual look were calling me. I brought them home and roasted a few with olive oil and garlic just to get to know them.

The next day, I decided to blend them into a creamy soup using what I had on hand: red onion, leek (with a hint of Polish accent), coconut milk, a little vegetable broth, and thyme. When I dipped the immersion blender in, the soup turned into the most gorgeous color I’d ever seen in a pot. It was like a watercolor painting—deep, velvety purple with a silky finish.

Since then, I’ve made versions of this purple potato soup again and again, sometimes with purple carrots, sometimes with a squeeze of lime juice or lemon juice for a little brightness. It always hits the spot.

As a Chef and Nutrition Consultant, I’m always thinking about the connection between food and function, especially when it comes to women’s health. So many of my clients struggle with low energy, hormone imbalances, and stress-related fatigue. One of the best ways to support the body through that? Real food—especially colorful food.

This purple soup is a fantastic way to get in key nutrients like fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and trace minerals that support energy levels, hormone balance, and detoxification. And because it’s made with coconut milk instead of heavy cream, it’s gentle on digestion, anti-inflammatory, and rich in healthy fats.

Purple vegetables like purple yams, purple cauliflower, and red cabbage are also rich in anthocyanins, a class of antioxidants known to support cardiovascular health and help regulate blood pressure. So this bowl isn’t just beautiful—it’s functional.

For more ways to transform sweet potatoes into creamy comfort, you might be inspired by this Caribbean Sweet Potato Stew Recipe, which leans on coconut milk for cozy richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This recipe is a weeknight hero: minimal ingredients, a one-pot method, and the kind of comfort that feels luxurious but light.
• It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and easy to make with whatever purple plants you’ve got on hand.
• You’ll love how the natural sweetness of the purple potatoes plays with the savoriness of the leeks and garlic, and how creamy everything becomes once it’s blended.
• It’s also incredibly versatile—you can keep it as a pureed soup or top it with crunchy add-ons to mix things up.

Ingredient Substitutions

• For a slightly richer flavor, a splash of bone broth can add depth without overpowering the soup.

• If you can’t find purple sweet potatoes, you can use orange sweet potatoes or even regular sweet potatoes, though the color won’t be as striking.

• Purple carrots with purple cauliflower or a chunk of red cabbage will deepen the color if you want to mimic the color.

• No leeks? Use extra onion.

• Out of coconut milk? Try cashew cream or almond milk.

If you’re craving another creative method to cook sweet potato, check out this air fryer sweet potato jackets recipe for an easy, hands-off way to experiment with sweet potato texture.

What Are Purple Sweet Potatoes?

These beautiful tubers are not just sweet potatoes in disguise. Purple varieties like Stokes Purple have a firmer, drier texture than orange sweet potatoes and a more mellow sweetness. They’re rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants—especially anthocyanins, the compounds that give them their deep color.

Purple plants have been shown to help regulate blood sugar, support brain health, and reduce inflammation. You’ll find them in various forms, including purple yams and purple skin potatoes, depending on your region. Curious how these different varieties perform in cozy, comforting dishes? Check out this Delicious Sweet Potato Soup Recipe for more ideas on bringing out their best flavor.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

• Purple sweet potatoes support digestion, blood pressure, and hormone balance with their fiber and antioxidant content.
• Red onion and garlic provide prebiotics for gut health and compounds that support liver detox—essential for women’s hormone regulation.
• Leeks are rich in vitamin B and work well with garlic to reduce inflammation.
• Coconut milk offers a good fat profile, supporting hormone production and cellular health.
• Vegetable broth made from scratch or with added minerals can offer a boost in calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Chef Angie’s Tips

• Don’t overcook the potatoes—they only need about 20 minutes at a simmer to soften.
• If your soup ends up too thick, add more broth or coconut milk to adjust.
• A splash of acidity like lime juice or lemon juice at the end brightens the whole pot.
• This soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld.
• You can top it with chopped green onions, a swirl of coconut cream, or roasted chickpeas for a fun texture contrast.
• If you need some tried-and-true veggie inspiration, I love making this fall roasted vegetables recipe when autumn produce is at its best.

Ways to Serve Purple Sweet Potato Soup

• This soup works beautifully as a main dish with crusty bread or a green salad.
• For something heartier, serve it with baked tofu or grilled chicken.
• It also makes a stunning starter at a dinner party, especially when garnished with colorful toppings like microgreens or purple cauliflower florets.

For more ways to transform sweet potatoes into creamy comfort, you might be inspired by this Caribbean Sweet Potato Stew Recipe, which leans on coconut milk for cozy richness.

If you need some tried-and-true veggie inspiration, I love making this fall roasted vegetables recipe when autumn produce is at its best. Serve them with the cream of purple sweet potatoes and you might have a new family favorite.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to maintain the creamy texture.

Equipment You’ll Need

• A large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

FAQ for Creamy Purple Sweet Potato Soup

Can I use regular sweet potatoes?

No!

Is this soup spicy?

Not at all, but you can add chili flakes if you want some heat.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Just be sure to leave room in the container for expansion.

What flavors pair well with purple sweet potatoes?

Purple sweet potatoes have a subtly sweet, earthy flavor and a denser, drier texture compared to orange varieties. They pair beautifully with:

• Warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and cardamom
• Savory herbs: thyme, rosemary, sage, and bay leaf
• Acidic ingredients: lime juice, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
• Creamy elements: coconut milk, Greek yogurt, tahini, or sour cream
• Salty accents: miso, soy sauce, feta, or olives
• Sweet partners: maple syrup, honey, or pomegranate molasses
• Other root veggies: carrots, beets, and regular sweet potatoes
• Nuts and seeds: pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds

Essentially, they appreciate contrast—creamy, tangy, and bold flavors work particularly well.

Do purple sweet potatoes taste different?

Yes, they do. Purple sweet potatoes are:

• Less sweet than orange ones
• Earthier and a bit nuttier
• Drier in texture, which makes them great for roasting and purées

They’re almost a cross between a russet potato and a sweet potato—more grounding, less sugary.

Is purple sweet potato good for diabetics?

Yes, in moderation. Purple sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than regular white potatoes and offer several benefits:

• Rich in fiber, which helps slow glucose absorption
• High in anthocyanins, which may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation
• Packed with antioxidants that support overall metabolic health

That said, portion size matters. Always pair them with protein, healthy fats, or fiber-rich veggies to balance blood sugar.

Should you peel purple sweet potatoes?

It depends on how you’re preparing them:

• For soups or purées: Yes, peel them for a smoother texture.
• For roasting or mashing: Optional. The skin is edible and full of nutrients, but it can be tougher than orange sweet potatoes. Scrub well if leaving it on.
• For baking whole: No need to peel—just wash and pierce.

Pro tip: The skin contains extra antioxidants, so don’t toss it if you don’t have to.

This purple sweet potato soup is a perfect example of how food can be functional, beautiful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or your next gathering, it’s a bowl full of real nourishment. Let your taste buds and your health thank you. For more ideas to jazz up your soup routine, browse my list of Healthy and delicious soup recipes. You’ll find endless inspiration to keep things fresh and flavorful.

And if you’d like more colorful, nutrient-packed recipes delivered straight to your inbox, drop your email address and I’ll keep you in the loop with seasonal goodness and simple tips.

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