The Oaks at Ojai’s Chilled Avocado Soup Recipe

This chilled avocado soup recipe from the Oaks at Ojai in Ojai, California, is as easy as 1-2-3. Only three basic, easy-to-find ingredients are needed to create this satisfying, wholesome soup that’s perfect for a hot summer’s night.

Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid. They also act as a “nutrient booster” by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit, the California Avocado Commission says.

The American Heart Association (AHA) Dietary Guidelines recommend a diet that:

• Has at least five servings of fruits and vegetables
• Contains up to 30 percent of calories from fats (primarily unsaturated)
• Is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, trans fats and sodium while being rich in potassium

Avocado soup can help you meet the AHA dietary guidelines because avocados have both monosaturated and polyunsaturated fat and contain potassium.

Chilled Avocado Soup (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

½ large ripe avocado
¾ cup nonfat chicken broth
1 tbsp sherry or orange juice concentrate

Instructions:

1. Slice avocado in half, leaving the pit. Store half with the pit in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a salad the next day.
2. Peel the other half and cut into ½-inch pieces.
3. Put the chicken broth, avocado and ½ cup water in a blender and process until very smooth and creamy. Stir in the sherry (or orange juice).
4. Taste for seasoning and chill well.

Serving ideas: Serve to your most sophisticated guest in chilled bowls, or eat it all yourself with a fruit salad. Save a slice of avocado to float on top or add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream. Crunchy whole-grain crackers are a must.

Nutrition info per serving: 87 calories | 8 g fat | 5 g protein | 4 g carbohydrate | 1 g dietary fiber | 0 mg cholesterol | 192 mg sodium

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