Very Creamy Vegetable Chowder A La Moosewood - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups chopped onions
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon canola oil or 1 tablespoon other vegetable oil
2 celery ribs, diced
1 cup peeled and diced carrot
1 1/2 cups diced potatoes
3 cups water or 3 cups basic light vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 cup zucchini, diced
1/2 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 cups milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
2 ounces neufchatel cheese or 2 ounces cream cheese

Preparation

In a large soup pot on medium heat, saute the onions in the butter and oil for 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in the celery, cover, and cook until just soft, stirring occasionally.
Add the carrots, potatoes, water or stock, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil; then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes.
With a strainer or slotted spoon, remove about 1 1/2 cups of the cooked vegetables and set aside in a blender or food processor.
Add the green beans, bell peppers, and zucchini to the soup pot and cook until the green beans are tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the peas and parsley, simmer for 2 more minutes, and then remove from the heat.
Discard the bay leaf.
Puree the reserved vegetables with the milk and cheeses to make a smooth sauce.
Stir the sauce into the soup and gently reheat.
Serve hot.