Apricot& Cucumber Soup

Directions

Soak the apricots in the stock with the grated orange rind for 2 to 3 hours.

Add the orange juice and simmer for 45 minutes.

Cut 8 thin slices from the cucumber andamp; reserve for garnish.

Peel and roughly chop the remainder.

Fry the onion in the oil over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Stir in the curry powder andamp; chopped cucumber andamp; cook for 2 minutes.

Purée the apricots with the stock and the cucumber mixture.

Return to the pan and heat gently.

Season with salt and pepper.

Serve the soup garnished with floating slices of cucumber topped with the pumpkin seeds.

Black rye bread makes a good accompaniment.