Silky Carrot and Ginger Soup

Description
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Ingredients

 * 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
 * 1/2 small onion or 2 shallots, chopped
 * 1 tsp. minced fresh ginger
 * 3/4 lb. carrots, peeled, trimmed and chopped (1 1/2 cups)
 * 1 1/2 tsp. light brown sugar
 * 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
 * 2 to 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
 * 2 Tbs. white rice
 * Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
 * 2 Tbs. thick yogurt for garnish
 * 1 Tbs. slivered mint leaves, optional

Directions
1. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes, until translucent. Add ginger and carrots, and cook, stirring, 5 minutes more. Add sugar, and cook, stirring, 1 minute more; add orange juice; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring bottom of pan with wooden spoon to deglaze. Cook until liquid reduces by about half, about 3 minutes.

2. Add broth and rice, and bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper, reduce heat to low, cover and cook about 30 minutes, or until carrots are very tender.

2. Put mixture in food processor (or in blender in batches), and purée until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste. Heat through, garnish with dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of mint leaves and serve.