Christmas

Cream of Yam and Spinach Soup
Healthy Christmas Recipe

Spinach and yams join together to produce this sensational, creamy, rich-flavored soup.

Ingredients:
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 (16-ounce) cans fat-free chicken broth
3 cups fresh yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and diced, OR,
1 (29 ounce) can yams, drained
1 (10 ounce) bag fresh spinach leaves, stemmed and coarsely chopped
2 cups skim milk
1/2 cup sliced green onion stems (scallions)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a large heavy pot, coated with nonstick cooking spray, and over a medium-high heat, cook the onion, celery, red bell pepper and garlic until the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the flour and gradually add the chicken broth, whisking until the soup is blended. Add the sweet potatoes and bring to a boil; reduce heat and cook approximately 20 minutes* or until the potatoes are very tender.

Add the spinach, milk, green onion stems, salt and pepper. Cook until spinach is wilted and soup well-heated and thickened, about 5 minutes.

Recipe makes 8 servings Cream of Yam and Spinach Soup.

*Note: If using canned yams, cut in small chunks and stir in at the end of cooking.