Thia Sweet Potato Bisque With Parmesan Whole-Wheat Crostini

Thai Sweet Potato Bisque With Parmesan Whole-Wheat Crostini

Makes 10 (1-cup) servings. Recipe is by Keri Glassman for CanolaInfo.

1 tbl. canola oil

1 cup chopped yellow onion

2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped

1 to 1 1/2 inches fresh ginger root, finely chopped

4 medium-sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 small chili pepper or jalapeño pepper, chopped

4 cups reduced-fat and reduced-sodium vegetable stock

1/2 cup light coconut milk

2 tbls. fresh lime juice

1/2 tsp. curry powder

1/4 tsp. ground red pepper

14 ozs. extra firm tofu, cubed

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1. In large stock pot, heat canola oil over high heat. Add onion, garlic and ginger and sauté 2 to 3 minutes. Add sweet potatoes, carrots, chili pepper and vegetable stock and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce to medium-low and simmer until vegetables are tender (35 to 40 minutes), stirring occasionally.

2. Allow to cool slightly. Transfer to blender in batches and purée until smooth. Return to stock pot and add coconut milk, lime juice, curry powder and red pepper; stir well to blend.

3. Add tofu and cook another 10 minutes over medium heat, gently stirring once or twice.

4. Garnish soup with cilantro and serve with Parmesan Whole-Wheat Crostini.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 140 calories, 6 grams total fat, 2.5 grams saturated fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 110 milligrams sodium, 18 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 5 grams protein.

Parmesan Whole-Wheat Crostini

Makes 10 servings.

1/2 tbl. canola oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

10 slices fresh, crusty whole-wheat bread or baguette

2 tbls. Parmesan cheese

1. In small bowl, combine canola oil and garlic. Brush bread slices equally with mixture.

2. Sprinkle equally with Parmesan cheese and broil 3 to 5 minutes until toasted.

Nutritional analysis per slice: 100 calories, 23.5 grams total fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 160 milligrams sodium, 12 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber and 4 grams protein.