Sweet Potato-Pear Soup

 

2

teaspoons canola oil

1

small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)

1

medium stalk celery, chopped (1/2 cup)

1/2

cup apple juice

1/2

teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1/2

teaspoon paprika

3

medium dark-orange sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lb), peeled, diced (4 1/2 cups)

1

medium pear, peeled, diced (1 cup)

2

cans (14 oz each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

Chopped fresh thyme, if desired

• 1 In 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion and celery in oil 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
• 2 Stir in remaining ingredients except fresh thyme. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until sweet potato is tender.
• 3 Into blender or food processor, add half of the soup. Cover; blend on medium speed 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth; return to saucepan. Blend remaining soup. Heat blended soup 1 to 2 minutes or until hot. Garnish with fresh thyme.