Pepper-&-tomato soup

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1teaspoonGround red chile (or more)
3tablespoonsOlive or sunflower seed oil
2mediumsRed onions, thinly sliced
2Bay leaves
teaspoonGround cloves
¼teaspoonGround coriander
5Parsley sprigs; chopped
4Garlic cloves peeled & coarsely chopped
Salt
1poundsRed peppers or pimientos thinly sliced
½poundsChopped savoy -=OR=- Smooth-Skinned Cabbage
6cupsStock
1poundsVery ripe tomatoes; peeled, seeded and chopped (juice reserved)
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

Remove stems, Seeds & veins from chiles. Tear flesh into a few large pieces, cover with 1 cup water in small saucepan and bring to boil.

Simmer 20 minutes, then puree in blender. Heat oil in pan and add onions, bay leaves, cloves, coriander, parsley and garlic. Cook over medium heat several minutes until onions have begun to soften, then add salt, peppers and cabbage. Stir to combine and coat vegetables with oil. Add ½ cup water or stock, cover pan and cook over low heat 10 minutes. When vegetables have wilted, stir in ¼ cup pureed chiles or 1 to 2 teaspoons chile powder. Add tomatoes, their juice and remaining water or stock. Bring to boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer very slowly 30 minutes. When finished cooking, remove bay leaves and puree soup until completely blended. Return it to pan and season with salt, if needed. Add more chile if desired. Serve soup with a sprinkling of chopped cilantro.

Deborah Madison, "Prodigy Guest Chefs Cookbook"