CARROT AND CORIANDER SOUP
Complete Indian Cooking by Meena Pathak Carrot and coriander soup has become something of a classic - the pungent, slightly citrus flavour of coriander complements the sweet flavour of carrots perfectly. This Indian version is spicier and has more of a kick. Serves 4
Carrot And Coriander Soup (Gajjar ka shorbha)
• 250 g (9 oz) carrots, roughly chopped • 100 g (4 oz) onions, sliced • 1 tablespoon ginger pulp • 1 tablespoon garlic pulp • 1 litre (1¾ pints) water • 2 teaspoons ground coriander • 3/4 teaspoon red chilli powder • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric • 1 teaspoon ground fennel • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin • 150 g (5 oz) tomatoes, chopped • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 20 g (3/4 oz) chickpea flour • 1 teaspoon sugar • juice of 1/2 lemon • 25 g (1 oz) fresh coriander, chopped • salt, to taste
Directions Place the carrots in a pan with the sliced onions, ginger, garlic and water. Add all the ground spices, stir together and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until the carrots become very soft.
Remove from the heat and add the tomatoes. Allow to cool and then process in a food processor or blender or pass through a sieve. Strain the liquid and set aside.
Heat the oil in another pan and over a moderate heat, add the chickpea flour. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring to make a paste. Pour in the carrot stock, a little at a time, whisking well to avoid any lumps forming until all the stock is used up. Increase the heat and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the sugar, lemon juice and half of the coriander. Season and serve garnished with the chopped coriander.
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