ROASTED EGGPLANT AND GARLIC SOUP

Roasted Eggplant and Garlic Soup image

Provided by Emeril Lagasse

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup roasted garlic
1/2 cup chopped assorted mild herbs, such as basil, oregano, parsley, etc.
Drizzle of olive oil
Salt and pepper
2 large eggplant
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup minced onions
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 quarts of vegetable or chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
Cayenne pepper to taste

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic, herbs and drizzle of olive oil together. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly. Split the eggplant in half, lengthwise and smear the garlic mixture over the top of each eggplant half. Place the eggplant on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Roast the eggplant for 30 minutes or until the eggplant is tender. Remove from the oven and cool. Using a spoon, remove the flesh of the eggplant and discard the skin. Heat the oil in a 2 quart saucepan. When the oil is hot, add the onions. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the roasted eggplant and garlic and continue to saute for 2 minutes. Stir in the stock and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Using a hand-held blender, puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the cream and continue to simmer for 3 minutes. Season the soup with the salt and the cayenne.