Roast Pumpkin Soup

I used to not be very fond of pumpkin, specially in pies. For me, their purpose was mostly Jack o' lanterns and front porch decorations. But, a few years ago I discovered pumpkin soup and pumpkin risotto and pumpkin ravioli with burnt butter and I was hooked! I usually make Pumpkin soup after the first cold snap, but since it may be January before that happens and the weather is somewhat crisp I have made it now. Really tasty, easy to make, and best of all, makes the whole house smell like fall. (and yes, if you're wondering, that is what 'fall' smells like!)

Any type of pumpkin will work, I usually purchase one of the smaller ones as I think they are a little bit tastier than just a regular field pumpkin. I garnished the soup with a few roasted pumpkin seeds. I get the type that are already shelled and saute them with a little olive oil, salt and pepper.


Roasted Pumpkin Soup

4 cups peeled cubed pumpkin
1 large yellow onion, minced
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
4 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon fresh Thyme
salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon mace
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 bay leaf
2 Tablespoons olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl toss pumpkin with olive oil and and salt and pepper. Cook for 45 minutes until soft, and set aside.

2. In a large heavy-bottomed stock pot melt butter and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, bay leaf and spices and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Add 4 cups of the chicken stock and 2 cups of cream. Simmer over low heat.

3. Place cooled pumpkin in food processor with reserved chicken stock (2 cups) and puree until smooth.

4. Add pureed pumpkin to the soup, bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.

Serves 8-10