The weather in Calgary is getting pretty gross. This past weekend it was about –20ºC, though closer to -30ºC with windchill. That’s not even that cold (for Calgary), but it’s the first cold snap of the year, which makes it so much worse. Erk. I feel like a wimp, knowing that it’ll probably dip somewhere close to -50ºC with windchill later this year. Stupid winter.

After living in this climate for a couple decades I’ve developed some coping mechanisms. Layers, base heaters, warm baths, and soup. Soup is a great coping mechanism. It’s easy, delicious, super-versatile, and improves with age (up to a point, of course). I’ve found a few favourites over the years, and I’m always on the lookout for the next super delicious soup.

This one is warm, smoky, creamy, and a little bit sweet and spicy. It’s a chowder, so it’s a great combination of chunky and smooth and delicious. What more could you want from a winter meal?

Smoky Sweet Potato Chowder

1 tbsp olive oil (pomace) (USA / Canada)
1 onion, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 large sweet potato, diced
½–2 chipotle en adobo, minced (to taste)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
1/3 cup heavy cream

Heat the olive oil (pomace) (USA / Canada) over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté with salt and pepper until soft. Add the sweet potato, chiptole, and broth. Simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender. Partially mash the potatoes and add the sugar and cream. Serve and devour!

What’s your favourite kind of winter soup? Remember, every post you comment on is an entry in the monthly draw!