4 cups Chicken Stock - can substitute vegetable stock if desired
1 Cup Coconut Cream
1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves - can substitute ½ tsp dried thyme leaves
⅛ tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper or to taste
1 ½ tsp Kosher Salt or to taste
-OPTIONAL GARNISH-
Fresh Parsley Leaves - chopped
Additional Coconut Cream
Preparation:
Place 6-8 quart stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat - Cook diced bacon until crispy (apx 8-10 minutes) - Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and set aside on absorbent paper until needed (ALTERNATELY: Heat olive oil in 6-8 quart stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering)
Add onion and celery - Sauté until tender (apx 5-8 minutes) - Add ginger and garlic - continue to sauté for 2 minutes
Add sweet potato, thyme, and salt - Thoroughly combine - Pour chicken/vegetable stock over mixture - Loosely cover and bring to simmer (adjust heat as necessary) - Allow to simmer for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are soft (should be easily pierced with a fork)
Remove from heat and, using an immersion blender** purée until smooth
Add coconut cream and thoroughly combine - Adjust seasoning
Serve hot garnished with the crisp bacon, fresh parsley leaves, and a drizzle of coconut cream if desired
* Substitute 3 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil, omit the bacon altogether, and substitute the chicken
for vegetable stock to make the soup vegan friendly
**Transfer to a blender (in batches if necessary) as alternative