Lou's Chayote Soup

Total Time: 50 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 chili pepper, slit
• 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 lbs chayotes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, whole
• salt and pepper, to taste

Recipe

• 1 peel, pit and quarter chayote, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
• 2 cook scallions, garlic, and chili in butter in a heavy 3 quart saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened.
• 3 stir in allspice and cumin; cook 1 minute.
• 4 add chayote, oregano and half of the cilantro and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
• 5 add chicken broth and simmer, covered, until chayotes are very tender, about 20 minutes.
• 6 remove from heat and discard chili pepper.
• 7 stir in remaining cilantro.
• 8 purée soup in a blender until smooth.
• 9 season to taste with salt and pepper.