Spicy Avocado-Cucumber Soup

Spicy Avocado-Cucumber Soup
Recipe by Marcia Kiesel, as published in Food & Wine Magazine.

Serves: 10

Ingredients:
Two 12-ounce cucumbers—peeled, seeded and chopped
2 Hass avocados, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons Thai green curry paste
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
1 serrano chile, seeded and chopped
One 13-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Salt
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, for garnish
10 cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Preparation:
1. In a food processor, puree the cucumbers until smooth. Add the avocados, curry paste, sugar, lime zest and chile. Process until blended. Add 3 1/2 cups of water, the coconut milk and lime juice and process until smooth. Transfer the soup to a large bowl and season with salt. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, toast the coconut over low heat, stirring a few times, until lightly browned and crisp, 3 minutes. Let cool.

3. Ladle the soup into small bowls or cups, garnish with the toasted coconut flakes and cilantro sprigs and serve.