eglamkowski's Journal: recipe of the day

I'm generally not much of a soup person, but this Papaya Soup is a most unusual and unexpected starter that it is worth trying at least once. Well, assuming you don't have problems with milk and dairy products, anyways...

1 onion, diced
2 tablespoons butter
1 large papaya, peeled and diced
3 cups water
2 sprigs watercress
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 cup light cream
dash of fresh pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water

In a large sauce pan, saute the onion in butter only until golden.

Add the diced papaya, water, watercress and salt.

Simmer over low heat, covered, for 1.5 hours.

Strain soup through a sieve and puree vegetables in blender. Return to soup.

Add 2 cups milk, 1 cup cream, and pepper.

Simmer for 10 minutes, but DO NOT BOIL!

Slowly add cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly until thickened.

Garnish with watercress leaves and serve.

I don't particularly recommend reheating this soup - consume it all in one sitting. That is to say, serve it only if you've a large family or have guests over. I served it at a luau for 12 or so people....