Carrot Soup with North African Spices

Light Vegetable Stock 1 tablespoon light olive oil

1 medium yellow onion -- thinly sliced

salt 2 cloves garlic -- minced

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

2 teaspoons fresh ginger root -- grated

cayenne pepper 2 pounds carrots -- thinly sliced

1 medium potato -- thinly sliced

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup creme fraiche

2 tablespoons cilantro -- coarsely chopped

Make the stock and keep it warm over low heat.

Heat the olive oil in a soup pot and add the onion and 1/2 tsp. salt. Saute over medium heat until it begins to release its juices, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger, and a few pinches of cayenne. Cook until the onion is very soft, about 10 minutes, adding a little stock if it sticks to the pan.

Add the carrots, potato, 1 tsp. salt, and 1 qt. stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the carrots are very tender, about 15 minutes. Puree the soup in a blender or food processor until smooth, using a little extra stock if needed. Return to the pot, add the orange juice, and thin with stock to the desired consistency. Season with salt to taste and, for additional heat, a pinch or two of cayenne. Garnish each serving with a swirl of creme fraiche and sprinkle with cilantro.

Makes 9 to 10 cups.

NOTE:" Cumin and coriander are the smooth background flavors, but it's the fresh ginger, the orange juice, and a hint of cayenne that make this soup sparkle. A little potato adds silky texture; if your carrots aren't sweet, use a sweet potato instead."