Healthy Family: Smoky Peanut Chicken and Butternut Squash Soup

Serves 6.

Note: The interplay between the smoky, spicy chipotle chiles and the peanut butter makes this unique soup absolutely addictive. A touch of cinnamon and allspice rounds out the flavor, and the addition of chicken makes it a meal. From Meredith Deeds.

• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 to 2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced

• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice

• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tbsp. flour

• 5 c. chicken stock

• 5 c. cubed (1/2-in.) butternut squash (about 1 small)

• 1/4 c. heavy cream

• 1/3 c. creamy peanut butter

• 3 c. cooked, shredded chicken breast

• 1 tbsp. brown sugar

• 1 tbsp. lime juice

• 3 tbsp. chopped roasted peanuts

• 1/4 c. chopped green onions

Directions

Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic, chipotles, allspice, cinnamon, salt and pepper, and cook for another minute. Add the flour and cook for another 2 minutes or until foamy. Whisk in the stock and butternut squash and lower the heat to low; simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and cook the squash.

Whisk in the heavy cream and peanut butter, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until chicken is heated through and the squash is tender. Add brown sugar and lime juice. Serve garnished with roasted peanuts and green onions.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories375Fat19 gSodium560 mg

Carbohydrates24 gSaturated fat6 gCalcium90 mg

Protein31 gCholesterol74 mgDietary fiber5 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 ½ bread/starch, 4 lean meat, 1 ½ fat.