Instructions: For garnish: Cut lengthwise notches out of the reserved raw carrot piece to make a flower petal shape, then cut paper thin slices. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, then saute leek, celery, carrot, and garlic until they are very tender - about 12 minutes. Mix in the parsley and cilantro, the fennel seed and sugar, then stir in the stock. When hot, crush the brittle saffron (or tumeric) into the soup. Cook at a medium boil for 15 minutes.

Puree soup solids with the tomatoes. Add tomato juice and stock. Stir in vinegar and salt and either serve or refrigerate until cold.

When ready to serve, ladle into bowls and toss on the sliced carrot petals for garnish.

Serve chilled to 6 people.

Comments: This cold soup soup is redolent of the Casbah - vivifying after any hot and dusty enterprise. Also good served hot.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.