Pumpkin-Peanut Soup

Yield: 4 servings

I recommend doubling this recipe – it’s delicious and it goes fast! If you have a stick blender, this is a one-pot meal. Otherwise, use a blender to puree the soup.

Ingredients:

•  2 teaspoons grape seed or other vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
• 1 15-ounce can solid-pack pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (possibly more)
• 1 7-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained
• 1/3 cup reduced fat natural peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until golden, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes.
2. Add turmeric, paprika, and chili flakes; stir. Add pumpkin puree, broth, peppers, and peanut butter; whisk to incorporate and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 5 minutes, then add apple cider vinegar along with salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper).
3. Remove the pot from heat. Using a stick blender, puree soup until smooth. Otherwise, transfer soup to a blender in batches and puree until smooth. Add broth to achieve desired consistency. Taste again for seasonings, adding vinegar, salt and pepper (and chili sauce – I did) to taste. Top with plain fat-free yogurt and chopped scallions.

Adapted from Women’s Health Magazine