Ingredients

  • CARROT WITH TOASTED ALMOND SOUP
  • The secret to this simple recipe is using the best carrots you can find; taste them to make sure they are sweet and full of flavor.
  • 1 cup sliced shallots (about 4 large)
  • 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Rounded 3/4 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
  • 1 small boiling potato (3 oz)
  • 1 1/2 lb carrots, peeled and cut crosswise 1/4 inch thick
  • 1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (14 fl oz)
  • 1 cup apple cider (preferably unfiltered) (poster used apple juice)
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

DIRECTIONS:

Cook shallots, bay leaf, ginger, curry powder, and thyme in butter in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until shallots are softened and pale golden, 6 to 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel potato and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.

Add potato to shallot mixture along with carrots, broth, cider, water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until carrots are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

Purée soup in 2 batches in a blender until smooth, transferring as blended to a large bowl (use caution when blending hot liquids). Return to saucepan to reheat if necessary. Serve soup sprinkled with almonds.

Cooks' notes:
? Soup can be made 2 days ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat over low heat. Thin with additional water if necessary.
? Almonds can be toasted 2 days ahead and cooled completely, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Makes 4 (first course) servings.

Gourmet
November 2006




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Submitted 11/18/07.
Source: Gourmet
Submitted By: merstar unicorn

CARROT WITH TOASTED ALMOND SOUP