SWEET POTATO AND CRAB SOUP

Sweet Potato and Crab Soup image

This sweet and savory soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. -Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 medium leeks (white portion only), finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups cubed peeled sweet potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds)
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
5 cups vegetable stock
2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, divided
12 ounces lump crabmeat, drained
Croutons, optional

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat; saute leeks and garlic until leeks are tender, 4-6 minutes., Stir in sweet potatoes, 3/4 teaspoon salt, cinnamon, cayenne and stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes., Puree soup using an immersion blender or cool slightly and puree soup in batches in a blender; return to pan. Stir in cream and 2 teaspoons thyme; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add crab and the remaining salt and thyme; cook 5 minutes, stirring gently to combine. Top servings with crab mixture and, if desired, croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 calories, Fat 28g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 124mg cholesterol, Sodium 994mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 11g protein.