EGGPLANT AND ZUCCHINI SOUP, CALDO DE CALABACITAS Y BERENGENA

Eggplant and Zucchini Soup, Caldo de Calabacitas y Berengena image

Provided by Juliann Esquivel

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 large or two small egg plants peeled and cut into small cubes
2 medium zucchini cut into small cubes
1 medium sweet onion diced
1 small jalapeno pepper seeded and veins removed diced small
4 medium yellow gold or red potatoes washed and diced into small cubes
1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves diced about 1/2 cup
2 medium plum tomatos diced
4 clove fresh garlic mashed or put through a garlic press
1 large can whole tomatos in their juice, mash tomatos down
1/4 c good red table wine i use merlot or burgandy any good red wine will do.
1 large bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 c good virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp cayanne pepper optional
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 qt rich chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 c grated oaxaca cheese or queso fresco
1 large loaf or baguette of french or italian bread
1 Tbsp sea salt
1 small packet goya seasoning with culantro and achiote

Steps:

1. First over medium to high heat. Heat the olive oil and add onions, fresh garlic, eggplant, zucchini, cilantro and diced jalapeno, Saute until onions and jalapenos are limp. Next add wine and deglaze; next add all of the mashed tomatos and their juice into the onion mixture.
2. Continue to saute for about five minutes. Now add the seasonings bay leaf, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt mix well and then add chicken or vegetable broth and the diced potatoes. Add the packet of Goya seasoning with achiote. Mix well cover reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 35 minutes or until the potatos are fork tender.
3. uncover and check to see if veggies are cooked potatoes should be tender to the touch. Ladle into big bowl sprinkle with Oaxaca cheese or queso fresco. Serve with a thick slice of toasted Frech baguette bread or Italian bread slathered with garlic butter or a little olive oil and garlic. Truly a hearty and delicious comfort soup. Enjoy
4. My picture above is missing the cheese topping. my sweet angels (grandchildren) devoured it all. When I went to take a picture of my bowl. I am sure you get the idea. Bon Appetito