Coconut Curry Carrot Soup

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons peeled, finely grated, fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
Pinch ground cayenne pepper
1 1/2 pounds carrots (5 large), scrubbed well, cut into 1/4-inch thick coins
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup low-fat coconut milk
2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup


Preparation

1. Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, turmeric and cayenne pepper; cook for 30 seconds, stirring, then add the carrots and the broth.
2. Increase the heat to high just to bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and the honey, then puree using an immersion (stick) blender, or in several batches in a regular blender (if using the latter, remove the center knob of the lid so steam can escape, and place a paper towel over the opening to avoid splash-ups).
4. Serve warm.

​Makes 6 servings
Serving size: about 1 1/2 cups