Moroccan-Spiced Carrot Soup

Soup at a stand-up affair? It’s possible—and perfectly elegant —when you serve it in demitasse cups or shot glasses. Recipe from Gisele Perez, Small Pleasures Catering, Los Angeles.

Ingredient list

Serves 10 (makes 30 demitasse servings)

2 Tbs. unsalted butter
2 large onions, chopped (about 3 cups)
2 large red bell peppers, diced (about 3 cups)
8 cloves garlic, minced (2 1/2 Tbs.)
3 medium-size carrots, diced
1 small russet potato, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 1/4 cups tomato sauce (about 10 oz.)
2 1/2 tsp. harissa
2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
Crème fraîche, for garnish 

Directions

1. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions, peppers and garlic, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes, or until soft, stirring often. 

2. Add carrots and potato and cook 4 to 5 minutes more, or until potatoes begin to brown.

3. Add broth, tomato sauce, harissa and 2 tsp. thyme. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 30 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are soft.

4. Transfer mixture in small batches to blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender, and purée until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot in demitasse cups or shot glasses, garnished with crème fraîche and thyme leaves, if desired.

Nutritional Information
Per DEMITASSE SERVING:

Calories 30
Protein 1g
Total Fat 1g
Carbs 5g
Cholesterol 2mg
Sodium 141mg
Fiber 1g
Sugar 2g

Vegetarian Times Issue: May 1, 2006   p.84