Chilled Pumpkin Soup Food

CHILLED PUMPKIN SOUP

Steps:

• Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds and then cut the flesh into 2.5 cm/1 inch cubes.
• Melt the butter or margarine in a large, heavy-based saucepan. Add the onion & garlic and fry over a low heat until soft but not coloured.
• Add the pumpkin and toss with the onion for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the stock and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper and add the ginger, lemon juice, strips or orange rind, if using, and bay leaves or bouquet garni. Cover and simmer over a low heat for about 20 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender.
• Discard the orange rind, if using, and the bay leaves or bouquet garni. Cool the soup slightly, then press through a strainer or process in a food processor until smooth. Pour into a clean saucepan.
• Add the milk and reheat gently. Adjust the seasoning. Garnish with a swirl of cream, natural yoghurt or fromage frais and snipped chives, and serve.

PUMPKIN SOUP

Steps:

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan, then gently cook 2 finely chopped onions for 5 mins, until soft but not coloured.
• Add 1kg pumpkin or squash, cut into chunks, to the pan, then carry on cooking for 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften and turn golden.
• Pour 700ml vegetable or chicken stock into the pan and season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 mins until the squash is very soft.
• Pour 150ml double cream into the pan, bring back to the boil, then purée with a hand blender. For an extra-velvety consistency you can pour the soup through a fine sieve. The soup can now be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To make the croutons: cut 4 slices wholemeal seeded bread into small squares.
• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan, then fry the bread until it starts to become crisp.
• Add a handful of pumpkin seeds to the pan, then cook for a few mins more until they are toasted. These can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.
• Reheat the soup if needed, taste for seasoning, then serve scattered with croutons and seeds and drizzled with more olive oil, if you want.