2 cups chopped parsnip (3 large)
1 1/2 cups chopped peeled Granny Smith apple (about 1 large)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cups water
2 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth $
3 (12-ounce) packages frozen butternut squash, thawed
2 tablespoons whipping cream
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup light sour cream (optional) $
8 teaspoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
Preparation
1. Combine first 8 ingredients in a 5-quart electric slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
2. Place one-fourth of squash mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining squash mixture. Stir in whipping cream, paprika, and cumin. Ladle soup into bowls; top each serving with sour cream and chives, if desired.
