Saturday, October 28, 2017

Happy Halloween solution: Pumpkin Coconut Soup






That crop of fall pumpkins is more than just a collection of pretty faces.  Put those pumpkins to use!  Okay, full disclosure: we used canned pumpkin. Pumpkin and coconut milk add up to a delicious velvety soup.  There are two excellent reasons to have soup on Halloween night.  First, it’s cold and dark when the trick or treaters arrive and  there is always a cluster of parents lurking by the end of the driveway. The kids are abuzz and never feel the cold, but those parents look like they’re freezing.  If you’re a parent about to take your family out on Halloween, consider an insulated container of this soup to keep you warm and toasty.  Because it’s creamy, savory and sweet, there’s a good chance the kids might have a bowl before they venture out.   Because who doesn't like pumpkins?




Fine. Who else?



Second, have I mentioned we love Halloween?  The soup works for us because we are poised near the door in our witch hats and the pooches in their costumes.  Oops! Where's Peachy's?

 
Racing to the door to see the Trick or Treater is not the ideal set-up to eat dinner, for sure. Now, our problem is solved.  Plus, it’s sweet and delicious enough to keep us from raiding the Reese’s Pieces.


 
We were very happy with our test run and will keep making new batches right into November.  


  Here’s how we did it!



Coconut-Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:



3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large can pumpkin, about 3 cups
1 tablespoon red curry paste
1 tsp green curry paste
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups chicken stock, homemade or box
1 can coconut milk
Juice of 1 lime
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional) 
Sour cream  (optional)




Directions:

Heat the oil in  a large pot over medium heat.  Cook onions for about seven minutes. 


Add garlic and cook for two more minutes. Add red and green curry, ginger and salt. and simmer on low for about five minutes.  Add pumpkin.



Don't forget to stir!   Add  stock and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and let simmer for a half hour.   Add coconut milk. and lime.

We then like to let it cool for a while before blending it with the immersion blender.  


You could use a blender or a food processor, but we find this easier and we're less likely to get a splash or a burn!




 
 When it's nice and smooth, you could return and let it simmer while you fiddle with your costume or refrigerate until you're ready to eat. 



 
We put little bowls of sour cream and chopped cilantro on the table because not everyone loves those.  Above is with sour cream and below with sour cream and cilantro.

We're sure you can think of others!







What about you?  Do you or your pet get dressed up for Halloween? Would a tasty soup be right on the night?







In case you don't know, Victoria Abbott is a collaboration between  me, Mary Jane Maffini, and my daughter Victoria. Together we write the book collector mysteries.   We think that reading them is like taking a lovely trip to a mysterious place where books are everything and, yes, murder happens and great meals are served and some relatives are not to be trusted. Of course, justice prevails in the end and books are loved.






The book collector mysteries are fun, easy to read and surprising too. All five titles are available in print, e-book and audio format. Don't miss out.  You can get to meet Peachy (posing below) aka Walter the Pug.  Watch out for the Siamese cats - one is good and one will get you!




I'm Peachy the Pug and I approve this Post.




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Here are some of MJ's books: set in Canada's capital with feisty lawyer Camilla MacPhee and various fleeing felons and frustrating family. Trust me,  Jordan doesn't have a monopoly on unusual family and friends.  This series is very well priced now in e-books, but also available in print. 


We’re also on Facebook and love to hear from you.  Click to link to Mary Jane Maffini

and Victoria Abbott. 

We're dying to meet you!




10 comments:

  1. Okay, everything about that made me smile, from the fun instructions to Peach’s strange pose by the pumpkin to the dachshunds’ expressions as they tried to process why the are wearing hats and wigs. Of the various things that have made me happy and grateful to be a cozy mystery author, being even a tangential part of MLK ranks really high up there. Plus the soup looks awesome!

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  2. Well, Bethany, you just made my day! Daisy and Lily will say that you made their day too, but they are having long morning naps at the moment. Peachy looks ... well. Hugs. MJ/VA

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  3. Victoria (Mary Jane and Victoria) - LOVE this post! The photos are adorable, and the soup is a must-make for me. Great combo of flavors and winter soups like this on a dark, cold night feel like a hug from a friend. Happy Halloween to you both! Love, Cleo

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  4. Thanks, Cleo! I loved your post too. Happy Halloween to you and Marc. Hugs. MJ

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  5. Looks yummy. We live in Tucson, so Halloween can be lovely and pleasant, or just plain hot. I will share the recipe with my daughter who is the main “Souper” in the kitchen. Like the use of coconut milk instead of dairy. Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jane! So glad you came by. It's cold and blowy up here with hardly any leaves left. Appropriately creepy.

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  6. Wonderful pictures, as always!
    This does sound like a real keeper of a recipe.
    Thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. So glad you came by, Libby! Glad you liked the pix. Happy Halloween to you. Be very afraid! Hugs.

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    2. Have you seen Kristin Cashmore's costume this year? http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/

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