Tomato-Curry Soup - Serves 8

From: Tasting Colorado by Michele Morris taken from Cholon, Denver, CO

Grade Level - 2, in Ducbee's Opinion
(1 - easiest, 5 - difficult)

Equipment
Large Stock Pot, Blender (or Food Processor)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup grape seed oil
• 1 small onion
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 1/4 pound thinly sliced shallots (about 5 medium shallots)
• 1 tablespoon minced galangal (or fresh ginger)
• 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 (28-ounce) cans peeled tomatoes
• 5 cups water
• 1/3 cup palm sugar or brown sugar
• 2 or 3 stalks of fresh lemongrass cut into pieces and bruised
• 1/2 cup cilantro stems
• 1/4 ounce kaffir lime leaves, bruised (about 5 large leaves)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a  large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, shallots, and galangal; reduce heat and sweat the vegetables until very aromatic, but not browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the curry powder, white pepper, and salt and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, water, and sugar and bring to a simmer.
3. Wrap the lemongrass, cilantro, and lime leaves in cheesecloth and tie closed to make a bouquet garni; add to the pot. Simmer the soup for 20 minutes, and then remove the bouquet garni and discard.
4. Puree the soup using a stick blender or, in batches, in a traditional blender (food processor). If desired, pass the soup through a fine-mesh strainer before serving for a velvety smooth texture.