Roasted Eggplant (Aubergine) and Potato Soup

This is a nice soothing but robust pureed soup. Its' a perfect "warm me up" dish. I have never measured all the ingredients exactly, but this is how I make it.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  large eggplant
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 4  cups  sodium-free chicken stock or 4  cups  vegetable stock
• 1 1⁄2 lbs boiling potatoes, unpeeled and chopped*
• 1  tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons paprika
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
•  salt, to taste
• 1⁄2 cup plain yogurt (optional)

Directions

1. Place oven rack about 10 inches from broiler.
2. Broil eggplant until charred all over, turning as needed. This will take anywhere from 25 to 40 minutes depending on size of eggplant.
3. Let cool, remove skin and coarsely chop.
4. In medium large stockpot, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Saute onions and garlic until soft. DO NOT LET GARLIC BURN.
6. Stir in paprika,pepper,cumin,salt and eggplant.
7. Turn heat to high, and stirring constantly, cook about 2 minutes.
8. Pour in stock and potatoes.
9. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer.
10. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender.
11. Puree in food processor in batches.
12. Re-warm as needed. Serve with some yogurt swirled on top.
13. * If using a blender instead of food processor, make sure you peel the potatoes first and puree in small batches as this is very hot.