Callaloo is the name of this traditional West Indian soup as well as
of the large fan-shaped leafy greens--sometimes called dasheen leaves
or taro root leaves--that are its chief component. The greens taste
like a cross between spinach and cabbage.
ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped garlic
4 slices of bacon, coarsely chopped
1/2 pound callaloo (see Note) or spinach,
stemmed, leaves cut into 1/2 -inch ribbons
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons basil
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
2 tablespoons celery leaves
4 cups water
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground pepper
directions
In a large saucepan, melt the butter in the
oil. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat until softened, about
3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until softened but not
browned, about 2 minutes. Add the bacon and cook, stirring
frequently, until the fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Add the
callaloo, basil, parsley and celery leaves and cook over moderately
high heat, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted and
barely tender, about 7 minutes.
Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a
boil. Cover and cook over moderate heat until the greens are soft,
about 10 minutes. Puree the soup in batches in a blender until
perfectly smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan, add the cream and
season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and then serve in
soup plates.