A favorite around the March 12 time change * And the Winter to Spring season change * It is also a popular soup in Ecuador, where soups are served with most afternoon meals * Ingredients include: oil, carrots, sweet potato, red potato, salt, pepper, chopped red onion, garlic, grated fresh ginger, vegetable stock, red Fresno chile with seeds removed, cilantro, red curry paste, half and half cream, water * Heat oven to 400 degrees F * In a large bowl toss together 4 Tbsp oil (grapeseed) , 1 3/4 ponds of carrots, 1/2 pounds of sweet potato, 1/2 pounds of red potato – both kinds of potato peeled and cubed * 4 Tbsp red curry paste, salt and pepper * Make sure the vegetables are coated with red curry paste * Spread the vegetable mixture on two baking sheets lined with parchment paper * Roast until tender, about 35 to 40 minutes * In a large soup pot add 2 more Tbsp of of oil and heat it until it thins * Stir in 1 cup of chopped red onions and 1 red chile thinly sliced and cook 4 to 6 minutes until browned * Add 3 finely minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp salt and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant * Stir in 2 more Tbsp red curry paste until well mixed * Add 1 quart vegetable stock and roasted vegetables to the pot * Bring liquid to a simmer * Cook partly covered over medium-low heat until everything is very tender (15 to 20 minutes) * Using a blender , puree the soup – probably working in batches * Taste and season with salt or fish sauce * Taste the soup and if it tastes good… it is good to serve * Ladle the soup into bowls and place some cilantro on top * You may want to consider some sliced fresh serrano chile on top also * It should be enough for 6 servings, maybe more *
Believe It or Not Facts About Ecuador
Soup and stews are popular with the people
Ecuador is slightly smaller than the state of California
It is the fourth smallest nation in South America
Strong links to the ancient Inca empire.
Home to the wild Alpacas.
A country of four worlds; Pacific Coast, Gallapogos Islands, the Andean Highlands and Ecuadorian Amazon.
A family oriented people who enjoy horseback riding.
Ecuador’s colors are yellow, blue and red
!Que bonito/a eres! is a loving phrase.
It has a two season weather system: a rainy season and the summer dry season.
Neighboring countries are Columbia and Peru.
Most of the world’s bananas are grown in Ecuador.
Almost 70% of the people live in cities.
People travel from other countries to study in Ecuador.
Spain took control of the land in the 1500’s.
Ecuador became a free country in 1822.
The population is now over 16 million.
The society includes mestizo people, mulatto people, indigenas, traditionals and montuvios (from Africa and Europe).
About half of the Ecuadorian population is in service jobs.
Quito is the highest and oldest capital in the world
The population of Quito is about 1.5 million people.
The some streets of Quito are blocked on Sundays for walkers and bike riders.
The average temperature is 59 degrees to 72 degrees Fahrenheit in Quito.
Lebanese business people have been successful in Guayaquil.
People enjoy roasted guinea pig (cuy).
The avenue of volcanos lie along the western mountain chain.
The famous Cotopaxi volcano is part of the Andes Mountains.
The principal of compadres helps build a strong sense of community.
“Superfino” Panama hats originate in Ecuador.
Their is evidence that the Las Vegas culture was in Ecuador.
The Pan American Highway is Ecuador’s main road from Columbia to Peru.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Ecuador.
Ecuador’s government is multiparty republic.
The President is both Chief of State and the Head of Government.
Guillermo Lasso is President of Ecuador.
Ecuador is 109,484 square miles (the 74th largest country in the world).
Tap water is unsafe to drink.
BACAN, when used as an adjective or an expression, is a positive word for “cool”.
The Rights of Nature are encouraged in Ecuador.
Ecosystems have the right to exist, thrive, regenerate and flourish.
The land is seen as a community to which we belong.
Countless earthquakes and tremors due to tectonic plate movements take place.
South America’s largest cave system is here, “Los Tayos Caves”.
Ecuador is a recognized Center for Plant Diversity (CPD).
Ecuador grows balsa trees.
Balsa wood is prized for it’s light strong quality.
Pasillo music is played with a guitar and flute
The Galapagos Islands (19 of them) have Blue Footed Boobie birds.