Caribbean pumpkin soup - martha stewart livin

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2mediumsCloves garlic, peeled
1mediumOnion, peeled and quartered
1largeJalapeno pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
2Stalks celery, cut into 2-inch lengths
3largesCarrots, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
2tablespoonsOlive oil
poundsKabocha squash (about half a small squash), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch dice
3cupsLow-salt chicken stock, skimmed
1Bay leaf
2teaspoonsCurry powder
1teaspoonTurmeric
Pinch of cayenne pepper
teaspoonSalt
Freshly ground pepper
1Ripe plantain, cut into chunks
¼cupShelled raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
2tablespoonsChopped flat-leaf parsley
1tablespoonCreme fraiche (optional)

Directions

1. Place garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

Add onion and pulse until finely chopped. Set aside. Place jalapeno in food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add celery and pulse until finely chopped. Set aside. Place carrots in food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

2. Heat 1 T of the olive oil in a medium stockpot over medium heat.

Add the garlic and onion and saute, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes. Add jalapeno, celery, and carrots and saute for 5 minutes. Add the squash, chicken stock, bay leaf, curry, turmeric, cayenne, 1 t of the salt, and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add the plantain. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a small saute pan, heat remaining T of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add pumpkin seeds and remaining ½ t salt and cook for about 30 seconds, shaking pan constantly to prevent burning, until all the seeds have popped. Remove from heat and add parsley.

4. Place 2 C of the cooked vegetables and about ½ C of the liquid in the bowl of a food processor and puree until smooth. Stir puree back into the soup. Adjust seasonings, and stir in the creme fraiche, if desired. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds.

Martha Stewart Living/October/94 Scanned & edited by Di Pahl & <gg>