Ian's Carrot & Cilantro Soup

Basic

carrots 6-8

cilantro(coriander) - fresh

onion - 1 yellow

milk - ½ cup

salt - 1 tsp

Optional

1 Cayenne pepper

1/4 cup sour cream

garlic - 4-6 cloves

1-2 tsp ginger (fresh rounds preferred)

1 tsp. Basil

½ tsp - allspice

1/4 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp fennel seed

2 Tbsp brown sugar

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Instructions: Cut carrots into inch long chunks and place in pot with enough water to cover.

Simmer til soft with onion (cut in chunks), cilantro stems (leaves go in later), salt and spices of your choice. When carrots are soft, allow to cool for half-hour, then blend in food processor with milk till smooth (add milk to achieve your desired consistency).

Then, reheat mixture slowly on stove top, til steaming. Then add half the cilantro leaves and the sour cream (optional) . Served with fresh baked bread (or-as Ian likes to do - with freshly microwaved baguettes from Asda) and garnish with rest of the cilantro.

Warnings: Ian rarely makes the recipe with EXACT portions, but adds spices and quantities to taste as he goes along....... Phil usually likes to garnish his with a second cayenne pepper from Waitrose's herb selections.