Curried carrot soup

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 teaspoon mustard seed
3. 1/2 yellow onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
4. 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
5. 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon peeled and chopped fresh ginger
6. 1/2 jalapeno, seeded
7. 2 teaspoons curry powder
8. 5 cups low-sodium chicken stock, vegetable stock or broth
9. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (fresh coriander), plus leaves for garnish
10. 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
11. 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
12. 3 tablespoons low-fat sour cream or fat-free plain yogurt
13. Grated zest of 1 lime

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seed. When the seeds just start to pop, after about 1 minute, add the onion and saute until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the carrots, ginger, jalapeno and curry powder and saute until the seasonings are fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add 3 cups of the stock, raise the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the carrots are tender, about 6 minutes.

In a blender or food processor, puree the soup in small batches until smooth and return to the saucepan. Note: The soup will be hot. Fill blender or processor no more than one-third full to avoid burns.

Stir in the remaining 2 cups stock. Return the soup to medium heat and reheat gently. Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with the salt, if desired. Ladle into warmed individual bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of yogurt, a sprinkle of lime zest and cilantro leaves.

This recipe is one of 150 recipes collected in "The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook," published by Mayo Clinic Health Information and Oxmoor House, and winner of a James Beard award.