Thick Kabocha Soup Food

KABOCHA (CREAMY JAPANESE SQUASH SOUP)

Steps:

• Wash the exterior of the kabocha squash. Cut in half and remove seeds and inner strands of the squash.
• Place kabocha on a microwave-safe plate and heat in microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. This helps to soften the kabocha just a bit.
• Cut the kabocha into thin slices and remove exterior skin. Set slices aside.
• In a medium pot, melt butter and sauté onion slices until translucent and softened.
• Add kabocha and sauté together with onions until the kabocha is cooked.
• Pour water and add chicken bouillon powder in the pot. (Note: Chicken broth may be substituted for the bouillon and water.) Simmer on low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until kabocha is softened.
• Either use an immersion hand blender to blend the vegetables with the broth, or allow the mixture to cool slightly and then pour it into a traditional blender to puree, then add it back to the pot.
• On medium-high heat, add milk to the kabocha mixture and bring to a boil, constantly stirring the soup. Turn off the heat, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and serve immediately. Garnish with additional freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley.

ROAST KABOCHA SOUP WITH LEMON GRASS CREAM

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Season inside of the kabocha with thyme, salt and pepper and rub with 4 tablespoons oil. Place onto a roasting pan flesh side up, and roast until caramelized and cooked through, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly.
• In a small saucepan combine the cream with the lemon grass and reduce by half. Strain into another small pan and hold warm.
• In a medium pot over high heat, add 2 tablespoons oil. Add the carrots, onion and leek and cook until browned. Add the hot stock, reduce the heat to medium, and season, to taste.
• When the squash is done, remove the cooked flesh from the squash and add to the pot. Transfer the contents of the pot, in batches, to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve into a second pot and reduce until desired consistency is achieved. Season, to taste.
• Serve soup in a warm soup bowl, and gently swirl in a dollop of the cream reduction. Garnish with chives.

KABOCHA AND ROOT VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Cut kabocha squash into 1-inch chunks and carefully trim the peel off each chunk.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coriander seed. Toast in the skillet until seeds start to turn golden brown and become fragrant, about 3 minutes. Grind seeds in a coffee grinder.
• Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add carrots and parsnip; cook and stir until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add leeks and ground coriander; saute until soft, adding a little stock if the pot gets dry. Add the kabocha, remaining vegetable stock, and basil. Add water to cover squash, if necessary. Bring soup to a boil; reduce to simmer. Continue simmering until squash is tender, 25 to 35 minutes.
• Remove soup from heat. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in heavy cream.

JAPANESE PUMPKIN SOUP (KABOCHA SOUP)

Steps:

• Cut pumpkin into large blocks and remove seeds.
• Place pumpkin on a plate and heat in microwave for one minute.
• Slice pumpkin thinly.
• Heat butter in saute pan and cook onion slices until softened (not brown).
• Add pumpkin slices to the pan and saute.
• Add chicken bouillon and water and simmer vegetables until softened.
• When cooked, whirl the vegetables and broth in a blender or food processor until smooth.
• Return to the pan and add milk.
• Heat the soup over low heat.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

KABOCHA SPINACH SOUP

Steps:

• Bring kabocha squash, onion, and garlic to a boil in 4 cups of water or stock.
• Simmer at a low boil until squash is completely soft, about 15 minutes.
• Mash the squash, onion, and garlic with a potato masher in the soup pot.
• Add the spinach and cook for just a couple more minutes.
• Season to taste with sea salt and pepper.
• Garnish with organic sour cream, mozzarella cheese, or crumbled feta.
• Serve with a thick slice of crusty bread for a warm, satisfying meal.