By Louis Lanza and Laura Morton
Carrot and Ginger Purée
Yield: 16 servings
1
Tablespoon olive oil
3
Tablespoons shallots, minced
1
teaspoon garlic, minced
2
Tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
3
pounds carrots, peeled and chopped
2
cups leeks, cleaned and sliced
2
cups onions, chopped
2½
quarts vegetable stock or water
1
teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried
2
cups carrot juice
½
cup rice wine (mirin)
1
cup lowfat, vanilla soy milk
1/8
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sea
salt
Heat
the olive oil in a medium stockpot over medium heat. Add the shallots,
garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, until the shallots are golden,
about 2 minutes. Add the carrots, leeks and onions and cook, stirring,
for 10 minutes. Add the vegetable stock and thyme. Simmer for 45 minutes
or until the carrots are soft. Add the carrot juice and wine and bring
to a boil. Remove from the heat.
Purée the soup using an electric handheld blender or in a food processor.
Season with salt and black pepper. Whisk in the soy milk slowly. The
soup can also be strained through a fine-mesh strainer for a silky texture.