Parsnip and Apple Soup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 medium onion (about 6 ounces) chopped 2 pounds parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices 1 medium apple (about 6 ounces) peeled, cored and sliced 1 medium potato (about 7 ounces) peeled and sliced 1 to 2 thyme sprigs ¾ teaspoon kosher salt 6 cups chicken broth, low-sodium, plus extra for thinning finished soup

Nutritional information per serving (1 cup): Calories 150 (18% from fat) • carb. 29g • pro. 3g • fat 3g • sat. fat 2g • chol. 8mg • sod. 641mg • calc. 77mg • fiber 7g

Put the butter into a 6-quart saucepan set over medium heat. Once butter is melted, add the chopped onion. Turn the heat to medium-low to sweat the onions so that they do not pick up any color. After about 5 minutes add the parsnips, apple and potato to the pot. Add the thyme and salt and stir ingredients together well. Add broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer uncovered until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once vegetables are tender, separate the solids from liquids. Put about 1½ cups of broth and half of the solids into the blender jar. Run on Low for about 10 seconds and then switch speed to High to blend thoroughly. Pour soup into a clean pot. Repeat with remaining ingredients. This soup has a very thick consistency; if a thinner soup is preferred, stir in additional warm stock to thin. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.