Roasted Veggie Soup with Cheese Croutons -

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes, no salt added
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 yellow onion, peeled and quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup Lifeway Lowfat Plain Kefir (stirred in after cooking)
• Optional garnishes: fresh thyme, rosemary, and/or parsley
• For the Cheese Croutons:
• 4 slices whole-grain, sourdough, or gluten-free bread of choice
• 4 oz. cheddar (or mozzarella) cheese
• 1 tbsp. butter, softened