LOCRO DE PAPAS (Ecuadorean potato soup with annato seeds, avocado and queso fresco, for four)

2 teaspoons annatto (achiote) seeds (available in Latin markets and some supermarkets)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3-1/2 pounds russet (baking) potatoes

1 cup chopped white onion

rounded ½ teaspoon ground cumin

2-1/4 teaspoons salt

¾ teaspoon black pepper

7 cups water

1 cup whole milk

5-1/2 ounces queso fresco (Mexican fresh cheese) or ricotta salata, coarsely grated (1-1/4 cups)

two (6 to 7 ounce) firm-ripe avocados

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1. Heat annatto seeds and oil in a very small saucepan over low heat, swirling pan frequently, until oil is bright red-orange and starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, peel potatoes and cut into ¾ inch pieces.

3. Pour annatto oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a wide 7 to 8 quart heavy pot, discarding solids. Cook onion and half of potatoes (reserve remaining potatoes in a bowl of cold water) in annato oil over moderately high heat, stirring, until onion is softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add cumin, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add water (7 cups) and bring to a boil, scraping up any brown bits. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are very tender, 25 to 30 minutes, then mash into broth. Drain remaining potatoes and add to soup, then simmer, partially covered, until tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in milk and cheese and increase heat to high, then bring to a simmer, stirring. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.

4. Meanwhile, quarter the avocados lengthwise, then pit, peel and cut into ½ inch cubes. Serve soup in large bowls, topped with avocado.

from Gourmet Magazine, February, 2007