sweet potato peanut bisque

Lunch

Sweet Potato Peanut Bisque

Drescription

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 neutral oil, such as canola or avocado
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
½ cup smooth natural peanut butter
freshly ground pepper to taste
chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Directions

Prick sweet potatoes in several places with a fork. Microwave on High until just cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
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.
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.

Apples Baked in Cider

Apples baked in cider somehow taste more of themselves. It goes without saying that this is comfort food, easy to put together and pop in the oven just as soon as dinner is underway. If possible, use cider from a farm stand or farmer’s market—it has a deeper, more concentrated flavor than the grocery store brands, which wash out in comparison. The comfort extends to those times when you are not eating dessert for self-improvement purposes, but want something just a little sweet. These won’t do much damage. You can even omit the sugar if you want to feel pure.