Carrot and Peanut Soup (from The Minimalist Baker)

​1 Tbsp (15 ml) coconut or olive oil
1/2 of 1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, diced
1 pound carrots, scrubbed (or peeled) and chopped (~4 cups)
Healthy pinch each salt and pepper
2 cups (480 ml) veggie stock + 2 cups water (480 ml)
1/3 cup creamy or crunchy salted natural peanut butter (use less for a less intense PB flavor)
2 tsp chili garlic sauce (use less for less spice)
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: Fresh basil, cilantro, or mint; coconut milk; brown sugar or agave nectar (sub honey if not vegan); Sriracha hot sauce
(NOT LISTED: Coconut or Olive Oil for sautéing)
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Heat a large pot over medium heat.
Dice onion and garlic. Add to pot with 1 Tbsp coconut or olive oil (or nonstick spray). Add carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
Season with a healthy pinch each salt and pepper, then add veggie stock and 2 cups of water and stir.
Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until veggies are tender (test by cutting a larger piece of carrot in half – it should cut with ease).
Transfer to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. (Cover with a towel in case your lid leaks any soup while blending.)
Add peanut butter and chili garlic sauce to the blender and blend to combine, using a ‘puree’ or ‘liquify’ setting if youhave it.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For a touch of added sweetness, add a Tbsp or so of brown sugar, maple syrup or agave nectar (or honey if not vegan). Add more chili garlic sauce for more heat.
Serve immediately with fresh basil or herbs of choice. A drizzle of coconut milk will add a creamy, sweet touch. Serve with sriracha for extra heat.