Ann & Eli Apothecary

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Plantain & Sweet Potato Soup

Andrea Bomo

I don't know about you, but plantain is one of my favorite foods of all times. I can eat it everyday, in different ways (fried, boiled, steamed, pounded etc...). If you’re from Africa, the Caribbean or Central/South America, then you are probably familiar with plantain, which is at the heart of the local cuisine and absolutely delicious. I'm always looking for new and healthy ways to cook it, and this plantain and sweet potato soup is my latest experiment.

Highly nutritious, warming and delicious, this plantain and sweet potato soup will delight both children and adults because of its sweet, salty and slightly spicy taste. Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight dinner recipe when you don't have much time to cook but still want to eat something healthy and vibrant.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 ripe plantains, peeled and cut

  • 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut

  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

  • 3 to 4 cloves of garlic

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 3 tbsp. cooking oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp. teaspoon chili powder

  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric

  • 2 to 3 tbsp. coconut milk (optional)

  • Water

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Sautée the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the red bell pepper.

  2. Add the plantains and sweet potato to the saucepan. Add salt, pepper and spices and stir well. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.

  3. Add water, just enough to cover the plantain and sweet potato. Boil over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potato and plantains are tender.

  4. Remove from heat. Add the plantains, sweet potatoes, onions and peppers to a blender, making sure not to fill it more than 3/4 to avoid splashing. Blend until you get a smooth and creamy texture. Add a little water if necessary.

  5. Pour the soup in a saucepan and simmer over low heat, stirring for 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may add more spices if you like. Optional: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut milk to make it smoother.

  6. Add toppings of your choice (herbs, croutons, seeds, etc.) and serve warm. Enjoy!