Monday 23 February 2009

Allotmenticity - 23-02-09 Aston FM Sod It Grow Your Own


What to do with shredded bank and credit card statements, coffee grounds and much more with Captain Tongo and Gary James and Sod It Grow Your Own!

And this is a great soup! A Must Try!!!

CARROT SOUP WITH STAR ANISE


3 tablespoons butter
1 large chopped onion
6 large fresh thyme sprigs
5 whole star anise,* divided
2 small bay leaves
1 large garlic clove, chopped
2 1-pound bags peeled baby carrots
4 cups chicken stock

Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, thyme, 3 star anise, bay leaves, and garlic. Sauté until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add carrots and broth. Bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until carrots are very tender, about 30 minutes.

Remove and discard thyme sprigs, star anise, and bay leaves. Working in small batches, puree soup in blender until very smooth; return to same pot. Season with salt and pepper.

Finely grind remaining star anise in spice mill or coffee grinder. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with ground star anise.


A whole Star Anise on each bowl makes a wonderful statement!


Makes 6 to 8 servings.


1 comment:

Matron said...

Did you know that the active ingredient in star anise is the only substance which has been found effective against the human bird-flu virus!! I have a small stockpile so I will definitely try your soup!