Peanut Soup With Okra Croutons

Ingredients

1/2 tb peanut oil
1/4 ts pepper flakes
1/2 tb coriander seeds
1/2 c celery
1/2 c carrot
5/8 c butternut squash
5/8 c potatoes
1 c peanuts
6 stock
1 tb lemon juice
1 1/2 okra
3 tb cornmeal
1/4 ts cumin
1/4 ts cayenne
1/4 ts herbal salt

Instructions

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: Prehaet 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. Yamuna Devi, "Yamuna's Table"