Roasted Eggplant Soup

1 large eggplant

8 cloves garlic, minced

2 red bell peppers

1 tsp. cumin (I use more)

2 large tomatoes

1 qt. chicken stock

3 Tbsp. olive oil

½ cup heavy cream (or low fat ½ & ½ )

1 onion, chopped

4 Tbsp. fresh basil, sliced

Directions:

1.        Roast or broil eggplant, bell peppers & tomatoes until they are black all over.  Remove skins and seeds, chop & set aside.  (I cut them in ½ before broiling (skin side up) & remove pepper seeds before putting under broiler.  Place in plastic bag while they cool to make peeling easier.)

2.     Saute onions ‘til tender, then add garlic, spices & chopped vegetables.

3.     Add chicken broth and simmer for about 45 minutes.

4.     Puree vegetables in food processor or blender, add back to pot.  Taste for seasoning – add salt, etc. if needed.

5.     Before serving, add cream and heat through.

6.     To serve, garnish with basil.

 From the California Cookbook, recipe shared compliments of Cheri Caviness