Does the idea of cold pumpkin soup sound strange to you? If you are from the United States, you have probably never had this smooth, delicious soup, but you might want to try it. There are types popular all over the world, from South African pumpkin soup to Australian and Parisian varieties.
Pumpkin soup can be a real treat, even if it looks a little unusual at first. Do not be surprised by the smooth texture or bright orange color of a good pumpkin soup. It can be really delicious, and is an experience that everyone should have at least once.
Serve it up in mugs, bowls, or even in a hollowed pumpkin as a great central dish. Add a little chopped parsley or ground cinnamon or cloves on top to complement the color and taste, and be sure to enjoy. Your family might be skeptical at first, but hot or cold, pumpkin soup is a delightful option.
Pumpkin soups are not just creamy and tasty enough to make you come back for more. They are also packed full of vitamins A and C, iron, fiber and many other important nutrients. You will not feel like you have to virtuously eat your vegetables when you make pumpkin soup, however. Even the kids will love it.
For something a little out of the ordinary, try an Asian inspired easy pumpkin soup recipe with spices, carroy and coconut. It is great in hot weather, when the first pumpkins are appearing at roadside stands, but the temperature has not yet dropped. Of course, for the dog days in midsummer when pumpkins are nowhere to be found, you can use canned or frozen pumpkin instead.
The best kind of pumpkin to use for these soups is a small type, usually referred to as a pie pumpkin. Do not use a jack-o-lantern pumpkin! They are harder, woodier, and less flavorful than their smaller, sweeter, more tender cousins are. Pumpkins can be easily prepared for cooking by slicing them in half, cleaning out the seeds, and cutting them into smaller pieces.
Next, you either peel the pumpkin and cook the flesh, or cook the pumpkin and spoon the pulp from the skin. Save the skin for stock, or put it on the compost pile, then take the pumpkin flesh and run it through the food processor to get a consistent, smooth puree.
Savory ingredients like garlic and onion go very well in pumpkin soups. Make them creamy and rich with cream or dairy milk, or soy or coconut milk. Vegetable or chicken broth can be used instead of water in these soups. They add more flavor. Blend the soup partially or completely, depending on the texture you prefer, then chill your soup and serve.
With all the recipes for creamy pumpkin soups that are available, how do you decide which one to try? If you have never had pumpkin soup before, try a traditional one to see what you think. If you prefer spice, make one with curry or chilies. Your family will love it!
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