Carrot Purée with Caraway and Cumin
Algerian in origin, this recipe makes a colorful, tasty hors d’oeuvre. Serve it at room temperature with toasted croutons or pita bread and marinated olives. Warm, it makes a great side dish with baked fish and Chermoula (page 233).
Recipe information
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add: 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices, 2 garlic cloves, peeled.
Step 2
Cook until the carrots are tender. Drain. Heat in a small heavy pan: 2 teaspoons olive oil.
Step 3
Add: 1/2 onion, diced fine.
Step 4
Cook until soft, about 7 minutes. Crush in a mortar and pestle or under a heavy skillet: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground caraway.
Step 5
Add to the sautéed onions with: Salt.
Step 6
Add the drained cooked carrots and garlic and cook for a couple minutes more. Off the heat, mash into a coarse purée with a potato masher or fork. Add: 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice and taste for salt. Adjust as needed. If you like, garnish with: Chopped cilantro.
