Szechuan Carrot Soup

Photo by MsPia

Total Time:

Prep Time:

Cook Time:

2 hrs

30 mins

1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3/4 inch fresh gingerroot, peeled and sliced thin
• 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 cup milk

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sour cream, mixed with the cream

Directions:

1. 1
   In a large heavy saucepan cook onion, celery, and garlic in oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until onion is softened.
2. 2
   Add carrots, ginger root, red pepper flakes, and broth and simmer, covered, until carrots are very tender, about 45 minutes.
3. 3
   Stir in remaining ingredients and, in a blender or food processor, puree mixture in batches (use caution when blending hot liquids).
4. 4
   Return soup to pan and heat over low heat until hot, being careful not to let boil.
5. 5
   Serve soup drizzled decoratively with sour cream mixture.