SWEET POTATO, ORANGE PEPPER AND SCALLION SOUP

Sweet Potato, Orange Pepper and Scallion Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons bacon drippings
1 cup sliced scallion, white and light green part only
1 cup chopped peeled potato
Pinch of cayenne pepper, plus more, for sprinkling
3 to 4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 garlic clove, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups diced peeled sweet potato
1 cup chopped orange bell pepper
Chopped fresh cilantro and sour cream, for garnish

Steps:

Heat the drippings in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the scallion and cook, stirring, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the potato, cayenne, thyme, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, until the potatoes are well coated, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
Add the sweet potato and bell pepper and simmer until the potatoes and peppers are tender, about 20 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Remove from the heat, discard the thyme and let cool at least 5 minutes. Carefully puree until smooth with a handheld immersion blender or in 2 to 3 batches in a blender (do not fill the blender more than halfway full).
Reheat the soup if necessary, and adjust the consistency with water and seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream, cilantro and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.