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 is a real taste treat, even if the idea of an orange soup seems a little strange. Many people have never even tried the more common hot pumpkin bisque that is often made for Thanksgiving. However, if you have not had sweet, delicious cold pumpkin soup yet, you are missing out on a really delicious experience.
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.
Pumpkins do not just make creamy, delicious meals - they are also full of good nutrition. Vitamins A and C, iron and fiber are all found in pumpkins, as well as a number of other important nutrients, too. Even your kids will love eating their vegetables after you get them hooked on pumpkin soup.
Try Thai and Indonesian-inspired easy cold pumpkin soup that adds coconut and carrot, for a rich and exotic treat that's excellent for those last hot days of late summer, when the pumpkins are coming into the market, but the temperature hasn't cooled down yet. If you would like to enjoy this soup when pumpkins are not in season, frozen or canned puree can do the trick.
The ideal type of pumpkin to use in a soup of this kind is the smaller kind, often called a pie pumpkin or sugar pumpkin. Do not make the mistake of using the kind you would give the kids to carve up on Halloween. Pie pumpkins are specially bred for eating, not looks, and will be sweeter, smaller, and more tender than their bigger, woodier cousins will. Prep these pumpkins for cooking by slicing them in half and removing the seeds, then chop them into wedges.
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.
Include alliums like onions and garlic, rich dairy, soy, or coconut milks, and sweet spices for a fantastic soup. Use vegetable or chicken broth to add extra flavor, and blend the whole soup partially or completely for the desired texture. Some prefer their soup velvety smooth, while others would rather have a few small pieces to add interest. Whichever you prefer, all you have to do afterward is chill and serve!
You can't beat pumpkin soup as an appetizer for your next holiday meal. Pumpkin is a traditional food for the fall and winter holidays, so beginning your meal with the rich flavor of this squash fits in perfectly. Serve it sweet or savory... it is delicious either way.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment