Sweet Potato-Peanut Bisque

This satisfying vegetarian, sweet potato soup is inspired by the flavors of West African peanut soup. We like the added zip of hot green chiles, but they can sometimes be very spicy. It’s best to take a small bite first and add them to taste. Try chopped peanuts and scallions for a different garnish. Serve with a mixed green salad with vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large sweet potatoes (10-12 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 3 cups reduced-sodium tomato-vegetable juice blend or tomato juice
• 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles, preferably hot, drained
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 15-ounce can vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

• PREPARATION

  1. Prick sweet potatoes in several places with a fork. Microwave on High until just cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until it just begins to brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Stir in juice, green chiles, ginger and allspice. Adjust the heat so the mixture boils gently; cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, peel the sweet potatoes and chop into bite-size pieces. Add half to the pot. Place the other half in a food processor or blender along with broth and peanut butter. Puree until completely smooth. Add the puree to the pot and stir well to combine. Thin the bisque with water, if desired. Season with pepper. Heat until hot. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

  TIPS & NOTES

  • Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Thin with water before reheating, if desired.

  NUTRITION

  Per serving: 291 calories; 16 g fat (3 g sat, 8 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 30 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 10 g protein; 6 g fiber; 474 mg sodium; 1011 mg potassium.
  Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (300% daily value), Vitamin C (100% dv), Potassium (29% dv), Magnesium (15% dv).
  1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving
  Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 high fat meat, 1/2 fat