Hearty Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 6 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 1/2 pounds) $
• 2 medium onions, diced $
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced $
• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced $
• 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans low-sodium fat-free chicken broth $
• 1 teaspoon dried basil $
• 1 teaspoon salt $
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $
• 1 1/2 cups fat-free half-and-half
• Italian Bread Bowls
• Garnish: fresh celery leaves $

Preparation

1. Combine first 8 ingredients in a 4 1/2-quart slow cooker.
2. Cook, covered, at HIGH 3 hours or until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir together flour and half-and-half; stir into soup. Cover and cook 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve in Italian Bread Bowls, and garnish, if desired.