Thai chocolate peanut soup

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2cupsPlain soy milk
1Stick cinnamon
1Star anise
2Whole cloves
1Pinches allspice
11 inch squar orange peel; pith removed
cupUnsalted dry-roasted peanuts
cupWater
1tablespoonCocoa powder; preferably Dutch
1tablespoonVegetable oil
1mediumOnion; diced
2Ribs celery juice; diced
1Clove garlic; minced
1largeRipe tomato; seeded & diced
1Roasted red bell pepper; diced
1tablespoonGinger juice; (to 2 tbsp)
1pinchCayenne pepper; (optional)
2tablespoonsFresh lime juice
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped roasted peanuts

Directions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine soy milk, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, allspice, and orange peel. Heat to just below boiling point, then turn off heat, cover and let steep for 30 minutes. While spices are steeping, place peanuts in a blender and pour in enough of the water to cover. Blend on high for 2 minutes. Add cocoa and remaining water, rinsing down the sides of the blender. Blend on high for another 2 minutes. Strain into a 1-quart measuring cup or bowl. Add steeped soy milk, straining out spices. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, saute onion and celery in oil until onion becomes translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and tomato and continue cooking until tomato has softened, about 3 minutes.

Transfer vegetable mixture and ¾ of the roasted pepper to the blender.

Blend on high until smooth and creamy, adding a little of the soy milk mixture if necessary. Combine puree and remaining soy milk mixture in the saucepan. Heating over a medium-low flame, stir in ginger juice, cayenne, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Garnish each serving with remaining bell pepper chunks and chopped peanuts, if desired.

By "Karen C. Greenlee" <greenlee@...> on Mar 21, 1999.

NOTES : To roast peanuts yourself, place them on a cookie sheet and bake at 325 F for 10 to 15 minutes. Peanuts should be aromatic and only slightly golden brown.

Recipe by: Veggie Life, March, 1999 Converted by MM_Buster v2.0l.