Roasted Sweet Potato Soup (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - Olive oil (2 tablespoons).
02 - Shallots (2, peeled and chopped).
03 - Sweet potatoes (2 to 3 large).
04 - Dried thyme (1 teaspoon).
05 - Ground cumin (1 teaspoon, use less if preferred).
06 - Chicken or vegetable stock (4 cups).
07 - Salt and pepper (to taste).
08 - Sour cream (for serving, optional).
09 - Fresh herbs or chives (for garnish, optional).

Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
02 - Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into about 1-inch pieces. Chop the shallots.
03 - Place the sweet potatoes and shallots on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with cumin and thyme. Toss to coat evenly.
04 - Roast in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized.
05 - Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes and shallots to a blender or food processor.
06 - Add 4 cups of stock, salt, and pepper to the blender.
07 - Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.
08 - If the soup is too thick, add a bit more stock. If it's too thin, simmer it over low heat to reduce the liquid. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
09 - Serve the soup hot, with a swirl of sour cream on top if desired.
10 - Garnish with fresh herbs or chives.

Notes:

01 - You can swap out the thyme and cumin for other spices or spice mixes like chili powder, fresh ginger, ras el hanout, or harissa.
02 - Add other ingredients to make the soup more substantial, such as chickpeas, shredded chicken, or wilted greens.
03 - The soup can be a light meal on its own, accompanied by a green salad and crusty bread.
04 - It can also be served alongside a main course like roast chicken or seared pork chops.
05 - The soup freezes well. Portion it into freezer containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to three months.
06 - To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or transfer the frozen block of soup directly to a saucepan and warm over low heat. If the soup looks separated, whisk it rapidly or blend it for a few seconds.