Tomato Bisque

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons reduced-calorie margarine
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped peeled potato
• ½ cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery, including some tops
• 2 packets Sweet'N Low zero calorie sweetener
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup low fat milk
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (14 ½ ounces) no-salt-added whole tomatoes with liquid
• 1 ½ pounds fresh tomatoes, peeled and quartered
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Preparation

In 4-quart microwavable casserole dish, combine celery, onion, potato, carrot, and margarine. Cook, covered, on high power 6 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes. Stir in fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes with liquid, and bay leaf. Continue cooking, covered, 20 minutes or until potato is fork tender, stirring once or twice. Discard bay leaf. In blender or food processor, puree one third of the mixture at a time. Return puree to casserole; add chicken broth, milk, basil, Sweet'N Low, and pepper. Cook on high power 6 to 7 minutes or until well blended. If a thinner consistency is desired, add additional milk or chicken broth. Adjust seasonings, if desired. Serve hot or cold.