New Zealand Sweet Potato Chowder

Name: New Zealand Sweet Potato Chowder
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (** optional); 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves; 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 6 cups vegetable stock; 7 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut into ~ 1 cubes; 1 cup corn (fresh if corn is in season, or frozen); 1 cup coconut milk (** or heavy cream); 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic; 1/2 cup chopped fresh curly parsley