Sig's Aubergine (Eggplant) and crispy Leek Soup

• 1 large aubergine (eggplant )thinly sliced , skin on
• 2 large tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tbsp of all purpose flour
• 3 large cup s of milk
• 150 grams smoked cheese ( I use Applewood)
• 1 good pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch dried tarragon
• 1 pinch dried parsley
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 length of a large leek
• 8 small sticks of block paneer
• 2 tbsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp sunflower oil or some butter for frying

1. First wash the aubergine and cut into fairly thin slices leaving the skin on
2. Put your aubergine into a steamer and steam until soft .If you don't have a steamer use a pot with a little water hang a sieve into it not touching the water .
3. Put the aubergines into the sieve and cover with a lid .
4. Boil the water and steam the aubergines until soft.
5. Steaming them means that the skin also will be soft .
6. Whilst they are steaming , this should only take about 5-7 minutes let the butter melt in your soup pot when it has cleared add the flour and whisk until bubbles form , make sure it does not go brown or burn.
7. Them add two cup of milk slowly whisking all the time until it bubbles and thickens , do not let burn
8. Add the cheese stirring all the time if it gets to thick add more milk.
9. Add the aubergine and puree everything into a wry smooth soup adding more milk until you reach a consistency that you like.
10. Add the tarragon ,parsley and the lemon juice
11. Slice the leek very thinly and dry fry them in a frying pan ensure that they just crisp up and not burn .
12. They should be a green and brown colour .sprinkle over the soup.
13. For the paneer.
14. Cut the paneer of the block into thin strips , first roll in garam masala and then in turmeric .fry until golden brown , serve with the soup .
15. Taste and adjust seasoning and thickness of soup if needed .
16. Hope you enjoy .

aubergine, butter, flour, milk, cheese, cayenne pepper, tarragon, parsley, lemon juice, leek, paneer, turmeric, garam masala, sunflower oil

Taken from cookpad.com/us/recipes/366085-sigs-aubergine-eggplant-and-crispy-leek-soup (may not work)