When we crave foods that are hearty and satisfying, pureed vegetable soups fit the bill on both counts. Pick your vegetable -- almost any will do -- and before you know it, you'll be dipping a spoon in a comforting, creamy bowlful that's surprisingly low in fat and calories.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, coarsely chopped
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Coarse salt and ground pepper
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Vegetable of choice, such as butternut squash (see below for quantities and other options)
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1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
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1 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
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In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat oil over medium. Add onion. Season with salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
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Add vegetable, broth, and enough water (4 to 5 cups) to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium, and simmer until vegetable is tender, about 20 minutes.
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Working in batches, puree brothand vegetables in a blender untilsmooth, transferring to a clean potas you work. To prevent spattering, fill blender only halfway, and allow heat to escape: Remove cap from hole in lid, and cover lid firmly with a dish towel. Adjust soups consistency with a little water if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
Cook's Notes
Pick Your Vegetable:
Parsnip: 2 1/2 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
Carrot: 2 1/2 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
Broccoli: 2 pounds, cut into florets, stalks peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks, plus1 baking potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
Celery Root: 2 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
Beet: 2 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
Mushroom: 20 ounces button mushrooms, trimmed and quartered, plus 1 baking potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
Butternut Squash: 3 pounds, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks.
Cauliflower: 2 1/2 pounds, cored and cut into florets.
Celery: 2 pounds celery, cut into 1-inch-thick pieces, plus 1 baking potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.