Vegetables Recipes - Roast Rutabaga, Ginger and Black Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients 

• 2 tsp coriander seeds

• 2 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 1/4 lb rutabags, peeled, quartered, and cut into wedges

• 1 large sweet onion, cut into thick wedges

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 3 fat garlic cloves, unpeeled

• 1 cup black beans, soaked overnight

• 4 1/2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade

• salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 6 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley

• 6 tbsp crème faiche or sour cream

Serves 4-6

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Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Dry-fry the coriander and cumin seeds in a small skillet over a moderate to high heat until fragrant.

2. Add the oregano and fry for a few seconds more. Quickly remove from the heat and grind to a coarse powder using a pestle and mortar.

3. Put the rutabaga and onion wedges in a large bowl, and toss with the oil, the ginger, and a tablespoon of the toasted spices until evenly mixed.

4. Place the vegetable wedges and the garlic cloves in a single layer in a large roasting pan, spreading them out well. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the garlic and leave the rutabaga and onion to bake for another 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are soft and slightly blackened.

5. Meanwhile, drain the beans and put in a saucepan with fresh water to cover. Bring to a boil and boil rapidly for 20 minutes, then continue to cook at a brisk simmer until tender - about a further 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

6. Peel the garlic and put in a food processor with the roasted rutabaga and onion wedges. Add 2 1/2 cups of the stock and process to a chunky puree.

7. Scrape the puree into a saucepan. Add the beans and the remaining stock and spice mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 20-30 minutes. Swirl in the parsley and cream just before serving.

Note: Roasting is a good way of bringing out the flavor of mild-tasting rutabagas. Garlic emphasizes their sweetness, and the beans add a mellow, earthy touch. This soup will have you staggering from the table.