1carton32 oz reduced-sodium vegetable broth (4 cups)
1cuphalf-and-half
GARNISHES, IF DESIRED
Chopped dry-roasted peanuts
Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructies
Spray 3 1⁄2- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
In slow cooker, mix all soup ingredients except half-and-half.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 7 to 9 hours.
Strain cooked vegetables from cooking liquid, reserving liquid.
In blender or food processor, place vegetables.
Cover; blend until smooth.
Return vegetable puree to slow cooker.
Stir in 11⁄2 cups of the reserved liquid and the half-and-half.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting about 10 minutes longer or until warm.
Garnish each serving with peanuts and cilantro.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Adjust the amount of reserved liquid blended back into the soup to make a thicker or thinner soup, as you prefer. Cover and refrigerate the remaining reserved liquid. You may find that you will want to thin any leftover soup a little more when reheating it the next day. You can also use the flavorful reserved liquid for cooking rice, potatoes or other dishes.