Eggplant for everyone

Roasted Eggplant Soup

This is one of my favorite soups to make on a cold, winter night. It is healthy, filling and delicious. I found this on epicurious.com, one of my favorite foodie websites.The recipe calls for one cup of cream, but the soup tastes equally delicious without it.

Serves 4

Ingredients

3 medium tomatoes, halved
1 large eggplant (about 1 1/2 pounds), halved lengthwise
1 small onion, halved
6 large garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
4 cups (or more) chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup whipping cream
3/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (about 3 1/2 ounces)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place tomatoes, eggplant, onion and garlic on large baking sheet. Brush vegetables with oil. Roast until vegetables are tender and brown in spots, about 45 minutes. I actually take out the garlic after about 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven. Scoop eggplant from skin into heavy large saucepan; discard skin. Add remaining roasted vegetables and thyme to same saucepan. Add 4 cups chicken stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cook until onion is very tender, about 45 minutes. Cool slightly.

Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to saucepan. Stir in cream. Bring to simmer, thinning with more stock, if desired. Season soup with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with goat cheese; serve.