Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 small leek, white and pale-green parts only, thinly sliced and rinsed well

1 tart green apple, such as Granny Smith, cored, peeled, and cut into 1-inch chunks

1 celery stalk, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger

2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

6 cups chicken stock

1 medium canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup salted pepitas (green hulled pumpkin seeds)

Preparation

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook garlic and leek until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add apple, celery, and ginger, and cook for 3 minutes. Add sweet potatoes and stock, and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Add chipotle chile.

Working in batches, transfer mixture to a blender, and puree until smooth, transferring soup to a large bowl as you work. (For safety, remove cap from hole in lid, and cover with a dish towel to prevent spattering.) Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with pepitas before serving.