Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup is creamy, hearty, and loaded with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and kale. This dairy-free, vegan soup is packed with plant protein.

A bowl of warm sweet potato coconut curry soup, packed with flavor.

Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup

This soup has been in the works since last fall, and I’m thrilled to finally share the perfected recipe!

While this soup is simple to make, it does take time for chopping, stirring, and simmering. I’ll share some shortcut tips below!

I’ll be making this soup all fall and winter; it’s healthful, hearty, and full of flavor and texture. If you loved my Coconut Curry Chicken or Sweet Potato and Veggie Curry, you’ll be obsessed with this dish. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Veggies being sautéed with seasonings, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes, all mixed together in a pan.

Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup Tips

  • Chop veggies small: carrots, red pepper, onion, and sweet potatoes into even pieces.
  • Cook slowly to bring out sweetness.
  • Start mild: use mild curry paste and skip red pepper flakes if sensitive to heat.
  • Season while cooking with salt and pepper (fine sea salt works best).
  • Use regular coconut milk for creaminess (light won’t thicken, cream of coconut is too sweet, coconut cream is too strong).
Adding vegetable stock and coconut milk to the pan; seasoning and bringing to a boil; simmering until thickened; adding kale and stirring until tender.

Serving Suggestions

Don’t skip the toppings! They add a lot of flavor and texture to Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup. I recommend the following:

  • Fresh, finely chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness.
  • Fresh-squeezed lime juice adds a hit of needed acid.
  • Coarsely chopped cashews add a nice crunch.
  •  A scoop of coconut yogurt on top adds some coolness, additional texture and flavor to the curry. Top with a sprinkle of turmeric.
  • Toasted naan or pita bread to serve on the side is great for dipping in this soup. I love Stonefire® naan.

Storage

Leftovers?

Transfer to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

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4.91 from 21 votes

Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup

This hearty, creamy Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup is packed with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and kale for a nutritious, filling meal. It’s dairy-free, vegan, and loaded with flavor and texture!
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Video

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil measured when solid
  • 1-1/2 cups diced yellow onion 1 large onion
  • 1 cup diced carrots 2 to 3 large carrots
  • 1 red pepper diced
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic 4 to 5 cloves
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced ginger 2-inch piece of ginger
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste I use Thai Kitchen
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas also called garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potato 1/2-inch pieces, 1 to 2 large potatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable stock I recommend Swanson’s
  • 2 (13.5-ounce) cans coconut milk full-fat, see note 1
  • 3 cups thinly sliced kale
  • Toppings as desired see note 2
  • Toasted naan or pita bread, for serving

Instructions 

  • Add coconut oil to a large pot over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, diced carrots, diced pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger (reduce if sensitive to ginger or garlic). Season with 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and veggies begin to soften, 5–7 minutes.
  • Add red curry paste and seasonings: turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste (I add 1/4 teaspoon each). Sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add sugar and sauté, stirring constantly, another 2–3 minutes.
  • Add drained and rinsed chickpeas and diced sweet potatoes; season again with salt and pepper (I add 1/4 teaspoon each). Cook, still over medium heat, stirring frequently, 8–10 minutes. Using the back of a wooden spoon, crush chickpeas slightly to release the starch. This will help thicken the soup and add a nice texture.
  • Pour in vegetable stock and coconut milk. Season again with salt and pepper (I add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper).
  • Bring to a boil over high heat and scrape up any bits that have formed on the bottom. Reduce heat until soup is at a rapid simmer (bubbling at edges). Cook, stirring occasionally, until soup has reduced and thickened and chickpeas and potatoes are tender, about 20–25 minutes.
  • Add finely chopped kale and another 1/4 teaspoon salt. Submerge kale into the soup and cook until wilted, about 2–5 minutes.
  • Divide among bowls and top with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. Sprinkle on chopped cashews, if desired. Serve alongside toasted pita or naan bread.
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and thickness. Use shelf-stable cans of coconut milk, not refrigerated coconut milk. Canned coconut milk can be found on the international aisle, with the Latin or Asian products. I’ve tested this soup with Imperial Kitchen’s coconut milk.
Note 2: Garnish with lime juice, cilantro, and/or cashews.
Storage: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 587mg | Potassium: 824mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 29065IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Variations

Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup Customizations

  • Other greens: Swap spinach for kale; it wilts fast. Mix it in after cooking.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is vegetarian and vegan, based on what you use. Look at the red curry paste label; I use Thai Kitchen®, which is vegan and gluten-free.
  • No dairy: The recipe doesn’t have dairy.
  • Spice level: The soup is mild using Thai Kitchen curry paste. For more spice, add red pepper flakes or sprinkle them on each bowl when serving.

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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4.91 from 21 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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43 Comments

  1. Lori Barlow says:

    Can this recipie be converted to a crock pot recipie?

  2. Tim says:

    Is it possible to use lintels or another bean instead of chickpeas??

    1. Chelsea says:

      Absolutely! 🙂

  3. Bonnie Clancy says:

    Love your recipes!

    1. Chelsea says:

      Thanks! 🙂

  4. Meri says:

    5 stars
    Really good recipe. I chose to leave out the coconut oil and milk altogether for a friend with an allergy. I used an immersion blender just long enough to purée some of the veggies to thicken it. Delish and much fewer calories!

    1. Chelsea says:

      I am so thrilled you enjoyed! Thanks Meri! 🙂

  5. Annika Cavanaugh says:

    5 stars
    My husband’s words after trying this soup for the first time, “This is probably the best thing you’ve ever made!” This recipe is so delicious! I was afraid the two tablespoons of curry paste would be too spicy but it was the perfect blend of spice and creamy. Definitely going to make again!!

    1. Chelsea says:

      What a compliment! I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Annika! 🙂

  6. Jen says:

    5 stars
    I discovered this recipe a month ago and it’s all my husband talks about! Making it tonight on a dreary New England night – perfect! The flavors in this are fantastic. Love the heat offset by the coconut milk. This recipe is a keeper!

    1. Chelsea says:

      I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Jen! 🙂

  7. Beth says:

    5 stars
    If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life, this would be it! So yummy:)

    1. Chelsea says:

      HAHAHA I am beyond flattered to hear this! Thanks so much Beth! 🙂

  8. NYerinGermany says:

    5 stars
    OMGoodness. How delish! I just finished my second plate. I had everything except for the chickpeas, so I substituted it with the small red Mountain Lentils. (150 grams cooked in 500ml salt water BEFORE I put it into the big pot.,) 😋 It turned out “thickened” also. Thanks for this satisfying and healing recipe.

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Delicious! I’m so glad you enjoyed! Thanks! 🙂

  9. Tari says:

    5 stars
    HOLY CRAP is this delicious!! I added an extra tablespoon of curry, but otherwise went with the recipe. AMAZING! You have got to make this soup!

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Yay! So happy you loved this Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup! Thanks Tari! 🙂

  10. celeste olson says:

    Always a solid recipe and satisfies all the taste buds!!

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Thank you Celeste!