Transplanting Traditions' Farmer Tri Sa with Chapelboro's Susan Reda

Transplanting Traditions’ Farmer Tri Sa with Chapelboro’s Susan Reda

Triangle Land Conservancy’s Irvin Nature Preserve is home to Learning Outside, outdoor education programs, and the site of Transplanting Traditions Community Farm.   Transplanting Traditions, established in 2010, is a project of the Orange County Partnership for Young Children.  The farm provides refugees from South-East Asia access to land, healthy food and agricultural and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Look for their farm stand at the Chapel Hill and the Carrboro Farmers’ Market, where you can purchase a wide range of specialty Asian vegetables.  You’ll be amazed at the selection!

When my friend, Nina Lorch, shared this recipe for Thai Curry Soup, I knew just where to find the star ingredient, Thai Basil.  Called “Bai Horapa” in Thai, it is a sweet, yet spicy basil with a light anise flavor that pairs well with the warming kick of curry.

Cold Curried Summer Squash Soup

Thai Curry Soup

Ingredients for Thai Curry Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 T unsalted butter
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 1 t curry powder
  • 1 t cumin
  • ½ t salt
  • ½ t turmeric
  • ¼ t cayenne
  • 2 medium yellow summer squash, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
  • ½ cup Greek Yogurt, full fat
  • 2 t Thai basil leaves
  • 2 t lime zest

 

Method:

  • Melt the butter in a large pot, over medium heat.
  • Add the onion, curry, cumin, salt, turmeric, and cayenne and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about five minutes.
  • Stir in the squash and cook, stirring occasionally, for another five minutes.
  • Pour in one cup of water, stir and let simmer until the squash is tender, about ten minutes.
  • Remove from heat and chill for at least one hour.
  • Transfer mixture to a blender and add yogurt, basil leaves, and lime zest.  Blend on high speed until completely smooth.  Taste and adjust seasonings as preferred.

 

Serves four.  Optional: Garnish with a dollop of yogurt, lime zest and basil leaf.

Thai Curry Soup

Thai Curry Soup

Enjoy this cold curry squash soup with a crunchy salad of Asian lettuces.  The farmers from Transplanting Traditions will have delicious suggestions.

Our friends at Glasshalfull recommend pairing the soup with their 2013 Hyland Estates Riesling; a refreshingly dry wine from Oregon.

 

Susan is an independent contractor offering services in Event Planning, Public Relations and Marketing.  Contact her: susan.e.reda@gmail.com
Development & Communications Coordinator for Learning Outside www.learningoutside.org.