Winter Carrot Soup

Serves:

Ingredients:

1 tb Safflower oil
4 x Carrots, grated
Med Onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
4 c Vegetable stock
6 oz Can Tomato Paste (2/3 cup)
1 tb Soy sauce
1/2 ts Thyme
1/4 ts Ground Cumin
1/4 ts Black Pepper

Method:

GARNISH: scallion curls or Herbed Garlic Croutons (optional).
In Dutch oven or 4-5 qt saucepan, heat oil.
Stir in carrots and onion; saute until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients, increase heat, and cover.
When mixture reaches a boil, reduce heat to med and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Top with garnish if desired.
VARIATIONS: - add 1/2 cup raisins-cook soup until they are plump & tender.