Curried Pear Soup

1/3 cup unsalted butter
6 cups diced peeled pears
2 cups onions, chopped
2 cups leeks, sliced (white and light green parts only)
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unbleached all purpose flour
2 tablespoons curry powder
6 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 tablespoons liquid honey
1 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1/3 cup plain yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large saucepan melt butter and add pears, onions, leeks and garlic and saute for 2 minutes.

2. Add flour and curry powder and saute until the pears become soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Next stir in chicken stock and dry white wine.

4. Reduce the heat and simmer until the soup is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes.

5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, it will take about 2 to 3 minutes. You can use a blender by adding small batches at a time or a food processor.

For the yogurt topping:

6. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat add sliced scallions and saute until tender, about 2 minutes.

7. Add honey and sesame oil and cook for about a minute.

8. Remove from the heat and stir in plain yogurt.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired with salt and pepper.

10. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the garnish.

Recipe and video provided courtesy of HolidayKitchen.tv