“If we’re growing we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.”  John Maxwell

I truly enjoy carrots, but not to the extent of wanting to walk around the house munching on “baby” carrots or carrot sticks.  I prefer them cooked in recipes as part of a melange of flavors.  That’s the vocabulary word for the day.  Melange.  It means a mixture.  Be sure to use it at least three times every day this week until it becomes part of  your vocabulary.  Not applicable for use when describing a fender bender you’ve had.

But back to the carrots.  I especially enjoy carrot soups, but carrot soup can be so predictable.  Until I came across this recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 t cumin seeds

1 1/2 t coriander seeds

1 T sesame seeds

1T smoked paprika

2 T olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 1/2 cups carrots, chopped

3 T red wine vinegar

1 t salt

4 cups chicken stock

yogurt, garnish, optional

DISTRUCTIONS:

Toast the seeds in a small frying pan for a few minutes.  Transfer to a spice or coffee grinder with the paprika and grind them into a fine powder.

Saute the onions with the oil in a large stockpot until the onions are slightly translucent.

Add the garlic, carrots, and spice mix.  Sauté for an additional 2 or 3 minutes.  Add the vinegar and bring it to a bubble before adding the salt and the stock.  Bring this entire melange to boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes.

After the veggies are soft allow the soup to cool for a few minutes before using a submersible blender to puree the melange.  (This could get annoying!)  If you’re going to use a blender do it in batches.

Garnish to your heart’s content.  I’m voting for bacon and yogurt, but I’m out of bacon right at this minute.  Swirling yogurt or some such creamy thing is most easily done with a toothpick.  With a little practice you could even write greetings in each bowl of soup that you serve.  I’m good at “o’s”.  We must all start somewhere.

Loveya – The Grandma

Entree Grandma Pat Cooks coriander seeds cumin seeds smoked paprika spiced carrot soup yogurt garnish