Recipe of the Week! 1/19/2026
Sweet Potato Chowder
Thanks to sweet potatoes, pancetta, cream and kale, this sweet potato chowder is so comforting and flavorful!
Yields: 10 cups
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Ingredients
3 ounces thinly sliced pancetta
5 tablespoons butter, divided
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-1/2 pounds medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped into 1-in. cubes
5 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup half-and-half cream, warmed
3 cups chopped fresh kale
Roasted pepitas, for garnish
Minced fresh sage, for garnish, optional
Directions
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven to medium heat. Add pancetta; cook until browned and crisp, 4-5 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
Add 2 tablespoons butter, onion, carrot and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly browned, 9-10 minutes. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Transfer vegetable mixture to a bowl; set aside.
Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the pot. Stir in sweet potatoes; cook until slightly soft, 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken broth, salt, sage, thyme, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, pepper, cooked vegetable mixture and 2 tablespoons cooked pancetta. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Whisk about 1/4 cup of the hot broth into the half-and-half to temper; slowly add half-and-half mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Stir in kale; simmer until wilted, 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Ladle soup into bowls. Top each with remaining cooked pancetta, pepitas and sage, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
About 1-1/4 cups: 311 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 1130mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
