Red Lentil Pumpkin Soup Food

CURRIED LENTIL AND PUMPKIN SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy based saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the curry powder and cook, stirring for a further 30 seconds.
• Add the remain ingredients, except the yogurt or sour cream.
• Stir until well combined then bring to the boil.
• Reduce the heat and cook, partially covered for about 30 minutes sirring occasionally until the pumpkin is tender.
• Serve in bowls with a dollop of yoghurt or sour cream.

CREAMY PUMPKIN & LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large pan. Fry the onions until softened and starting to turn golden. Stir in the garlic, pumpkin flesh, lentils and thyme, then pour in the hot stock. Season, cover and simmer for 20-25 mins until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
• Meanwhile, wash the pumpkin seeds. Remove any flesh still clinging to them, then dry them with kitchen paper. Heat the 1 tsp oil in a non-stick pan and fry the seeds until they start to jump and pop. Stir frequently, but cover the pan in between to keep them in it. When the seeds look nutty and toasted, add a sprinkling of salt and a pinch of sugar, and stir well.
• Whizz the cooked pumpkin mixture with a hand blender or in a food processor until smooth, then add the crème fraîche and whizz again. Taste for seasoning.
• Serve with a spoonful of crème fraîche, a few thyme leaves and the toasted seeds scattered on top.

PUMPKIN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Cook the lentils in the water with bullion until al dente, then add the pumpkin and spinach. In a separate skillet cook the onion in the olive oil until translucent, then add the spices. Stir for a few minutes and then add to the soup. Puree the soaked sundried tomatoes in a blender, then add half the soup and puree for another 30 seconds. Add back in and then stir in the coconut milk. Season to taste.
• Note: If using So Delicious Coconut milk, the calories come to 207 per bowl. I like using this brand because it is low calorie and still gives a wonderful creamy texture to soups.