A great food to prepare when you’re looking to get back into shape is soup: it is nourishing, filling, and often contains many fiber-rich vegetables. Using a hand-blender adds a velvety touch to many soups, giving it a faux-cream finish that feels pampering and fools your mind into thinking that you are indulging in something richer than you are.

This recipe can double as a gift, when paired with an immersion hand blender, to thank your workout buddy for her support, and also  is a great present to give an expectant mom. You can find blenders at various price points from $13 to $130 – start here.

Carrot Soup with Coriander, Curry, Ginger and Chives    
Yields: approximately 2 quarts

This beautiful, luscious soup satisfies cravings, will keep you full, and packs in vitamins and minerals to every serving. You can also enjoy it cold, which is great for when you have just a few minutes to eat something nutritious.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon peeled fresh ginger root, chopped
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon sweet curry powder
1½ pounds carrots, peeled and chopped
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock or water
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
½ cup chopped chives
½ cup low-fat yogurt (optional)

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, ginger, coriander and curry powder until onions are translucent -- about 5 to 8 minutes. Add carrots and stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, until carrots are tender. Purée with hand blender (although your old stand blender will work, as well), and adjust seasonings. Add chives and swirl in cream, if desired.

Adapted from The Well-Rounded Pregnancy Cookbook by Karen Gurwitz.

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