This tropical version of vichyssoise uses taro root, also known as daro or dasheen. It is paired with coconut milk in a creamy chilled soup with leek.
6
Ingredients
- 1½ pound taro root
- ½ cup coconut syrup
- salt & white pepper as needed
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus more for dish
- 2 leeks, white and pale green parts, chopped, washed and dried
- 2 small spring or sweet onions, peeled & chopped
- 4 cup chicken stock, plus more if necessary
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- cilantro leaves, as garnish
Directions
Wearing gloves if you are sensitive, completely peel the taro. Then halve it lengthwise and cut it into 3/4‑inch cubes. Add the cubes to a large bowl and cover them with cool water and allow them to soak about 30 minutes to remove some of the starch (optional).
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Add the taro to a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Parboil the taro until just beginning to soften. About 7 minutes. Drain the taro, returning it to the bowl.
While the taro is still warm drizzle the coconut syrup over it and add salt and pepper to taste and mix it well to get the taro completely coated.
Pour the taro into a buttered baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake in the preheated oven about 30 minutes. Remove from oven, allow to cool uncovered.
In a large saute pan melt the butter over medium heat. Saute the leeks and onions with a pinch of salt. Cook until translucent, but not yet colored. Add the cooked taro to the pan along with the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat allowing the mixture to cool somewhat.
Working in batches, puree the mixture in a food processor or blender. Add the coconut milk and curry. Running the machine until completely smooth. Pour the pureed soup to a large covered bowl or tureen and adjust the consistency with a bit more stock if needed. Adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until well chilled. Garnish with cilantro, and serve.
I’m trying to decide where I’d like to go for my birthday. Right in the middle of a home renovation, we’re a little poor at the moment, so I wanted to go somewhere close, somewhere in our current time zone. My problem all spring has been that notihng was jumping out at me — I wanted to go to Zihuatanejo, but the whole “over the border” thing is not chic at the moment. We’re already always in SF. Seattle and Portland too far.
But Ojai?! Let’s see if I can convince hubs to take me. Thank you for the write-up!
[K]
Hi Greg — my sister has lived in Ojai for over two decades. Lunch al fresco there at the Ojai Valley Inn is always a treat. Glad you are enjoying yourself 🙂
LL
Haven’t been in a few years, but I remember liking the rustic feel of Ojai. We did some horseback riding and bike riding and just enjoyed the quiet.
I love the old spanish looking hotels and inns here in southern california! I followed the link for the Inn and discovered quite a few package deals that seemed very reasonable for such a beautiful place.
How fun! Sounds like a great time Greg! But then again when does going to the spa not sound like a great idea?