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
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.
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.
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