Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step—flavor starts here.
Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If you love aroma, this is your cue to smile.
Toss in the sweet potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender right in the pot, or transfer in batches to a regular blender. Be careful—hot soups love to erupt.
Stir in the coconut milk (or dairy milk) and season with salt and pepper. Warm through for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings. It’s delicious naked too, but toppings are the party.