Sweet Potato and Pear Soup (Dairy, Gluten and Grain Free)

This is one of my favorite soup recipes.  I make it all the time and continually get requests for the recipe.  I definitely can't take credit for it, as it is my adaptation of Vegan Sweet Potato and Pear Holiday Soup  by Oh She Glows.  Angela has some excellent vegan recipes on her website, do check it out and definitely try this soup.
Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 diced onion
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 diced stalks of celery
• 2 diced carrots
• 2 peeled and diced sweet potatoes
• 2 diced ripe pears
• 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth if vegan
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 juiced lime
• sea salt to taste

Directions

1. In a large pan heat oil and fry onions for 3-5 minutes or until clear.
2. Add thyme, paprika and cayenne.  Heat and stir for 30 seconds.  
3. Add celery, carrots, sweet potatoes, pears and broth.
4. Bring to a boil and the simmer until vegetables are tender.
5. Add coconut milk, lime and salt.  
6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Puree soup in a blender or with immersion blender until smooth.  If soup is too thick just add a little water or more coconut milk if you prefer.
8. Enjoy!