Sweet Potato Soup with Cilantro Pesto

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery (include some leaves)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed fresh garlic
• 4 1/2 cups diced peeled sweet potato (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 teaspoons chopped pickled jalapeno pepper
• 1/4 cup (moderately packed) fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup (moderately packed) fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts or pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons grated
• Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon crushed fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon water

1. For Easy-to-Chew and Soft Diets:
2. To make the pesto, place all of the pesto ingredients except for the water in a mini-food processor, and process until the herbs and nuts are finely ground.
3. Add the water and process just until mixed in.
4. Add a little more water or olive oil, if needed, to bring the pesto to a consistency that can be drizzled from a spoon or squeeze bottle.
5. Transfer to a small squeeze bottle or other container, and chill until ready to use.
6. To make the soup, place the olive oil, onion, and celery in a 3-quart pot.
7. Cover and cook over medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally, for several minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
8. Add a little water if needed to prevent scorching.
9. Add the garlic and cook for 15 additional seconds.
10. Add the sweet potato and broth to the pot, and bring to a boil over high heat.
11. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or just until the potatoes are soft.
12. Add the jalapeno pepper to the pot, and puree the soup with a hand-held blender until smooth.
13. Serve hot, drizzling each serving with about a tablespoon of the pesto.
14. For Smooth/Pureed Diets:
15. Working in batches, puree the entire pot of soup in a standing blender until smooth (see Notes).
16. Process the pesto until smooth and, if necessary, push through a strainer to remove any coarse bits before drizzling the condiment over the soup.

extra virgin olive oil, yellow onion, celery, garlic, peeled sweet potato, chicken broth, jalapeno pepper, fresh spinach, fresh cilantro, nuts, parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, water

Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/sweet-potato-soup-with-cilantro-pesto (may not work)