chow-down on chow-dow.

rain stinks.  but thankfully there are a few things that can make grey days a little bit better: 

1.) cute rain boots and a pretty umbrella 

2.) knowing that rain in the city means snow on the mountains 

3.) SOUP!

so turn that frown upside-down and warm up your house and your body with this delicious southwestern yam and corn chowder.

the goodies:

- 1 tbsp. canola oil

- 1/2 onion

- 3 c. yam

- 1 c. broth

- 3 c. water

- 1 tbsp. chipotle puree

- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper

- 1 tsp. coriander

- 1 tbsp. cumin

- 1 c. corn kernels

- 1 roasted red pepper*

- 1 jalapeno pepper

- garnish: salt, pepper and green onion

the fun part:

#1.) heat oil in large pot, and saute chopped onion until soft (ps. when chopping the onion, sharper knife = fewer tears!) add all 3 c. of yam and cook for about 3 minutes.

#2.) sass things up with the spices: add the chipotle puree, cayenne, coriander and cumin to pot, stir slightly and then add the water and broth. bring to a boil and then let simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes until yams are soft.

#3.) if you're really lucky, like me, you can use your immersion blender in this step to puree the yams.  if not, transfer in batches to a blender or food processor.  

#4.) return your creamy concoction back to the stove and prepare it for meeting its new friends: corn, chopped roasted red pepper and itsy bitsy chopped up jalapeno pepper. cook all ingredients together on medium heat, while stirring, for 5 more minutes.

#5.) ladle into bowls, garnish with s&p and chopped green onion.  let your insides be warmed up by your delicious soup.

* make your own roasted red peppers! cut pepper in half and place both sides on a top rack under the broiler. rotate peppers several times until outsides are starting to blacken.  remove from oven, and cover the peppers with lid.  the steam will help you to peeeel off the blackened skin and leave you with soft, sweet and delicious roasted red peppers!

what your body will like:

#1.) vitamins & minerals: 

- vitamins a and c: immune boost and better eye-sight.

- potassium: trades places with nasty sodium inside your body.  good bye high blood pressure!

#2.)fat: uh oh, I said the f-word!  fat in your food doesn't necessarily mean fat on your body.  making smart choices and eating in moderation will allow you to reap all the benefits that this macronutrient has to offer: transporting vitamins, protecting organs, providing energy and most of all, giving flavor to your food - without putting on the pounds.  canola oil is always one of your best bets when cooking.  it's high smoking point will withstand high temperatures, and it is low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids.