Sweet Potato, Corn and Kale Chowder

Sweet Potato, Corn & Kale Chowder from The Whole Foods Market Cookbook

Serves 6 to 8 

Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 large red pepper, seeded and chopped *I totally forgot to get this at the store, lol, I just left it out
1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme, minced
3/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 medium tomato, chopped
5 cups cold water or vegetable stock
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
3 cups chopped kale leaves, heavy stems removed and washed
Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste *I used freshly ground black pepper
Cayenne pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup cashew pieces (optional)

Directions
In a large pot, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Saute the carrots, onion, celery, pepper, and sweet potato for 3 minutes. Add the thyme and turmeric; combine well with the vegetables. Add the tomato and cold water and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the corn, kale, salt and white pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with the cayenne pepper.

Combine the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons cold water (but see cashew option below). With the soup simmering, stir in the cornstarch mixture, continue to stir, and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley.

If using cashews, use a blender or food processor to blend the cashews, cornstarch, and 3/4 cup of soup broth. Return this mixture to the simmering soup and continue to simmer soup, stirring often for 3 minutes.

Even though this is a lot of ingredients, the soup wasn't very expensive. I got everything I needed for under $25 AND I had to purchase the turmeric. That means this meal cost ~$5, that's pretty good to me. Especially when you consider the nutritional value here! This soup had a variety of colors flavors which made my taste buds and my body very happy. SN: I can tell when my body "agrees" with foods. I feel energized once I'm done eating and no tummy aches/constipation EVER! That's one of the best things about my new eating habits - I get a boost after eating! The turmeric flavors were unique, and may not be to everyone's liking, but I was very pleased. So pleased, that I ate it for 5 days!!! I shared some with my cousin for the last day.