Pumpkin soup is a classic comfort food, and you can add a twist to it by incorporating unique flavors or ingredients. Here’s a recipe for Pumpkin Soup with a Thai-inspired twist using coconut milk and curry flavors:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 1 medium-sized pumpkin (about 3-4 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pumpkin:
a. Peel, seed, and cut the pumpkin into chunks. You can use a variety of pumpkins, such as sugar pumpkins or butternut squash.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
a. Heat the olive oil or coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
b. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
c. Add the minced garlic and Thai red curry paste. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Pumpkin:
a. Add the pumpkin chunks to the pot and stir to coat them with the curry paste and aromatics.
4. Pour in Coconut Milk and Broth:
a. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer:
a. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
6. Blend the Soup:
a. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids; allow them to cool slightly if using a traditional blender.
7. Season and Sweeten:
a. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sweetness and seasoning to your taste.
8. Serve:
a. Ladle the Pumpkin Soup into bowls.
b. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro leaves and a drizzle of coconut milk.
c. Optionally, add toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for added texture and flavor.
d. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a squeeze of fresh lime juice, which adds brightness to the soup.
Enjoy your Pumpkin Soup with a Thai twist! The combination of pumpkin, coconut milk, and curry paste creates a flavorful and creamy soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal.