Hearty Potato Soup

Potato soup with additional vegetables, made with skim milk and no fat American cheese. Heart Healthy Ingredients 1 medium onion chopped 1 clove minced garlic 4 medium potatoes cut in 1" cubes (leave skin on_ 1/2 cup fresh carrots sliced ( i use baby carrots) 1 stalk celery chopped 1/4 large red bell pepper chopped fine 3-4 button mushrooms, sliced thin(may be left out) 2 slices no fat American cheese cilantro to taste ( I use 1 tsp fresh chopped ) Mrs Dash no salt seasoning to taste pepper to taste 2 cups skim milk optional-- 1 cup chopped chicken, turkey etc. Directions Saute onion, celery, garlic, & red pepper in about 1 TBL olive oil in a 2-3 quart sauce pan, until they just start to soften. Add potatoes and carrots and barely cover with water.( half a can of LOW SALT chicken broth may be substituted for part of the water or add a little chicken bullion) Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until almost tender - add mushrooms, cilantro, chicken add additional water if needed. Simmer additional 5-10 minutes. Add milk, cheese. Your pan will be full- don't let it boil over. You may leave it thin or thicken with a little corn starch if desired. ENJOY Cook Time: 30 Min Servings: 6