Spiced Vegetable and Banana Soup

Step 1

Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add carrot and next 6 ingredients and sauté until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Discard bay leaf.

Step 4

Transfer mixture to processor and blend until smooth.

Step 5

Return mixture to pot. Add broth and all remaining ingredients except cilantro.

Step 6

Boil soup over medium-high heat 15 minutes to blend flavors. Cool slightly.

Step 7

Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate.).

Step 8

Bring soup to simmer. Divide among 8 bowls. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.