Sweet Potato-Star Anise Soup with Ginger Cream | Searching4Zen

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
• 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 4 star anise pods (or 2 teaspoons star anise pieces)
• 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 2 cans low fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
• 6 tablespoons sour cream or crème fraîche