Patty Pan Squash Soup
2 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small hot Jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and chopped
2 ribs celery, strings removed and chopped
2 medium (12-14 ounces) gold potatoes, peeled and cut into small dice
2 pounds small yellow squash, chopped (or young zucchini)
1 pinch white pepper
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dry oregano
1 teaspoon of dry thyme
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon of curry
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
1 tablespoon juice from lemon(optional)
salt and white pepper, to taste (optional)
Garnish: slivers of red bell pepper or fresh cilantro
Heat a large non-stick or enamel-coated pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, covered but stirring every minute or so, until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes (add a little water if it tends to stick). Add the garlic and hot pepper and cook for another minute.
Add all remaining ingredients except the optional ones. Cover and cook until the potatoes are completely tender (about 25-40 minutes).
Remove half of the soup and put it into a blender* and puree at high speed until completely smooth. (Be careful--hot liquids can erupt from your blender; I always remove the center cup from the lid and cover the opening with a kitchen towel.) Once it's blended, pour the soup into another pot. Add the remaining soup to the blender, along with any optional ingredients you choose to use, and blend well. Add to the other half of the soup, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls, garnish with slices of red bell pepper or cilantro, and serve. Great with a Baguette!
Note: you can use any type of summer squash for this soup.
