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?
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!
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!
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?
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!
