ROASTED TOMATO AND RED CURRY SOUP

This soup is very elegant and probably not for small children as it is a little on the spicy side. It is also a fairly rich soup which makes it ideal for a first course.

You will need: A pot, a blender or food processor, a cutting board and knife.

The good news is this is a straight forward soup with nothing too tricky. After all, I don't believe soup should be complicated. It just needs to look that way by the time my guests arrive!

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups cooked, seeded, and drained tomatoes
1/2 red bell pepper, roasted, peeled
1/4 c carrots, thinly sliced
1/2 c chicken stock
1 1/2 tsp red curry (I used McCormick in the jar)
3-4 oz coconut milk (start with less, add to taste)
2 Tbsp grass-fed butter 
1/2 clove garlic
1 tsp raw honey
1/4 lemon
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sea salt

If you are unsure how to roast a pepper and peel it, just take a look at my roasted poblano and papaya pico recipe to see how it is done. It's an easy thing to do while you prep for the rest of the soup.

#1- Place your cooked tomatoes and roasted pepper in your pot along with everything else except the lemon and let it simmer until the carrots are a little over cooked. This will make it easier to puree them. (Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Just read the ingredients listed on the can first.)  

#2- Being careful not to burn yourself, pour the contents of the pot into your blender or food processor. You may want to do this over the sink!

#3- Blend together for a least a full minute or until smooth. This would be a great time to rinse your pot out with water so there are no ugly bits transferred to your soup.

#4- Pour your soup back into your pot. Use the 1/4 lemon to squeeze the juice into the soup for flavor. Beware of seeds. You may wish to add more or less lemon and you can add additional salt if desired. This soup can be served hot or cold!

~You can always use less red-curry if you wish for a more mild soup.~

**PARTY IDEA**

Because this soup is so rich, it is a great addition to a party with pick up food. You can pour this soup into small tea cups or demitasse cups for a flare to your buffet! Resale and antique shops are great places to scout out an eclectic assortment of small dishes for less money. 

Garnish with cilantro, lemon zest, or a twist of lemon peel!