Red Curry Carrot Soup

By Coppermouse

The spiciness of this Thai-inspired soup comes from red curry paste, a mixture of red chiles, herbs and spices.
Red curry paste is available at Asian grocery stores

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 6 large carrots, peeled, 4 thickly sliced, 2 cut into fine matchsticks
• 2 thin slices peeled fresh ginger
• 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
• 2 cups water
• 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 3/4 teaspoon red curry paste (see Notes)
• 1 scallion, cut into matchsticks
• 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the sliced carrots and ginger and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until the carrots are crisp-tender and lightly browned, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the onion and cook until softened but not browned, about 2 minutes.

Add the chicken stock, water, coconut milk and curry paste to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until the carrots are tender, about 25 minutes. Strain the cooking liquid into another saucepan, reserving the solids; discard the ginger. Transfer the carrots to a blender and puree with 1 cup of the cooking liquid until very smooth. Return the puree to the cooking liquid, add the carrot matchsticks and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with the scallion, cilantro and basil and serve.

MAKE AHEAD: The soup can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.