Peanut Soup with Okra Croutons

1/2 tb Peanut oil
1/4 ts Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tb Coriander seeds
1/2 c Celery, diced
1/2 c Carrot, diced
2/3 c Butternut squash, diced
2/3 c Potatoes, diced
1 c Peanuts, roasted, shelled & unsalted
6 c Stock
1 tb Lemon juice
Salt & pepper

Okra Croutons

1 1/2 c Okra, thinly sliced
3 tb Cornmeal
1/4 ts Cumin
1/4 ts Cayenne
1/4 ts Herbal salt
Olive oil spray

Place oil, pepper flakes & coriander in a large non-stick pot & fry over moderate heat until the seeds begin to darken. Add vegetables & peanuts & cook for 3 minutes. Pour in the stock & bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat & simmer 30 minutes. Cool slightly & puree. Gently reheat, add lemon juice & season to taste. Serve in shallow bowls garnished with okra croutons.

CROUTONS: Preheat oven to 375F. Rinse okra under running water, drain & pat dry with paper towels. Combine cornmeal, seasonings, salt & okra in a bag. Seal & shake well.

Spray a baking sheet with oil, spread okra slices in a single layer & spray them with oil too. Bake until crisp & browned, spraying & stirring twice during cooking. Should take 30 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings

Yamuna Devi, "Yamuna's Table"