Curry-Kissed Sweet Potato, Fennel, and Orange Soup

This recipe is the perfect soul-warming solution to a chilly midwinter day. Better yet, this soup is chockablock with health benefits from the antioxidant-rich sweet potatoes to the immune-boosting, vitamin C-rich fennel and orange.

1 Tbsp (15 mL) coconut oil 
1 yellow onion, trimmed and sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb (450 g) sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 in (1.25 cm) pieces
1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced, fronds reserved for garnish
1 tsp (5 mL) curry powder 
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
4 cups (1 L) low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock
1 cup (250 mL) freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 tsp (2 mL) sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (60 mL) sour cream or Greek yogurt, for garnish
Finely grated zest from 1 orange, for garnish

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, sweet potato, fennel, curry powder, and salt. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, another 2 to 3 minutes. Add stock, cover pot, and bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer until potato and fennel are soft, about 15 minutes.

Remove pot from heat and, working in batches, purée soup in blender or with immersion blender until smooth.

Transfer puréed soup back into pot and warm over medium-low heat. Stir in orange juice and vinegar and bring soup to a simmer.

To serve, divide soup among serving bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of reserved fennel fronds and orange zest.

Serves 4.

Each serving contains: 243 calories; 9 g protein; 7 g total fat (5 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 39 g total carbohydrates (11 g sugars, 6 g fibre); 322 mg sodium

source: "Sweet & Juicy", alive #375, January 2014