Recipe: Estonian Banana Curry Soup

Estonian Banana Curry Soup:

Flecked with splashes of heavy cream and touched up with a few scallion slices, it's a pretty soup--with a hot earthy sweetness overlaid with the tart of lemon and the spice of curry. Absolutely outstanding as a first course to spicy barbequed chicken or pork. Serve hot to 4-6 people as a rich first course.

1 Tablespoon butter
1 small onion, chopped fine
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
6 cups chicken stock
3 ripe bananas, peeled and chopped (about 12 ounces)
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
salt to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream

Garnish: splashes of heavy cream and slices of scallions

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir in the onion and sweat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the curry powder and saute for another 15 or so seconds. Pour in the stock, bananas, lemon juice, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Puree the soup, solids first, then pour in the cream and blend. Taste for seasoning. Pour into bowls, flick in the cream, in an attractive pattern, and place sliced scallions. Serve immediately.