Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Name: Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz bacon (about 6 strips) (chopped into 1/2-inch strips, *see notes for vegetarian soup); 1 medium onion (diced (about 1 cup)); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 large celery rib (diced (1 "stick" of celery)); 2 lbs sweet potatoes (3 medium) (peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces); 3 sprigs fresh thyme 3 (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme); 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 14 oz canned coconut milk* ((shake well before opening), divided); 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (or more to taste); 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste); 2 Tbsp parsley to garnish (optional)