Pumpkin soup

Pumpkin Soup Recipe - Authentic Taste of Angola

Region / culture: Angola | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pumpkin soup is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for the fall season. This recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin, beef, shrimp, and spinach to create a satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.

History

Pumpkin soup has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Pumpkins are native to North America and have been a staple food for indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The combination of pumpkin with meat and vegetables in a soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of pumpkin seeds
1.5 lb (680 g) of cubed beef stew meat
0.5 cup of peanut oil
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 habanero peppers, seeded and minced
18 oz (510 g) of tomato sauce
3 tbsp of tomato paste
1.5 cup of water
2 lb (907 g) of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb (454 g) of fresh spinach, washed and chopped

How to prepare

Place pumpkin seeds in a blender and blend for 30 to 40 seconds or until the mixture becomes a powdery paste. Set it aside.
Wash the beef and cut it into bite-size cubes. Season with salt. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the beef and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes or until it turns brown but is not fully cooked.
Place tomatoes, onions, and pepper in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds or until smooth. Add the tomato mixture to the meat, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes or until the meat becomes tender.
Add tomato sauce, water, and shrimp. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add spinach and ground pumpkin seeds. Continue to simmer for 10 more minutes.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and shrimp and add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Add coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist on this traditional soup.
Experiment with different spices like curry powder, cumin, or paprika for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blend the pumpkin seeds thoroughly to create a smooth paste for added flavor and texture.

- Sautéing the beef before adding the other ingredients helps to seal in the juices and enhance the overall flavor of the soup.

- Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and savory broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pumpkin soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the pumpkin seeds and vegetables creates a smooth and velvety texture for the soup.

- Sautéing the beef before simmering helps to develop the flavors and tenderize the meat.

- Adding the shrimp at the end prevents them from becoming overcooked and tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pumpkin seeds, you can use almond or cashew butter as a substitute.

- Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a lighter and healthier option.

- Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different flavor and texture.

Make Ahead Tips

This pumpkin soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This pumpkin soup pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer like a pilsner. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a sparkling water or herbal tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This pumpkin soup recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This pumpkin soup recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This pumpkin soup recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This pumpkin soup recipe contains approximately 30 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Pumpkin is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. This soup also contains a good amount of iron and calcium from the beef and spinach.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and shellfish (shrimp), so be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, this pumpkin soup recipe is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Pumpkin soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for the fall season. This recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin, beef, shrimp, and spinach to create a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy this delicious soup with your family and friends for a cozy and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe. It was a crisp autumn day, and the leaves were falling gently from the trees outside my kitchen window. I had been searching for the perfect pumpkin soup recipe for years, and when I stumbled upon this one in an old cookbook at a flea market, I knew I had finally found it.

The recipe itself was simple enough, with just a handful of ingredients that I already had in my pantry. But what truly set this pumpkin soup apart was the secret ingredient: a dash of nutmeg. It was a small addition, but it added a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before in a soup.

I decided to try the recipe that very evening, eager to see if it lived up to my expectations. As I chopped the onions and garlic, sautéed them in butter, and added the pumpkin and spices, the aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating. I could hardly wait for the soup to simmer and meld all of the flavors together.

When it was finally ready, I ladled myself a bowl and took my first spoonful. The taste was divine – creamy, savory, and just a hint of sweetness from the pumpkin. And that dash of nutmeg? It was the perfect finishing touch, adding a warmth and complexity that made the soup truly unforgettable.

I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, one that I would make time and time again for family and friends. And so, I set out to perfect it, adjusting the seasonings here and there, until it was just right.

Over the years, I shared this recipe with anyone who would listen – friends, neighbors, even strangers at the grocery store. And each time I made it, I thought of that crisp autumn day when I first discovered it, and the sense of anticipation that had filled me as I prepared it for the first time.

But the true joy of this recipe came not just from its delicious taste, but from the memories it created. I made it every Thanksgiving, serving it alongside the turkey and stuffing. I made it for my grandchildren on chilly winter evenings, when they would come over for a warm bowl of soup after playing in the snow. And I made it for myself, on quiet nights when I needed a bit of comfort and nostalgia.

As the years passed, I added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating new ingredients and techniques that I had learned along the way. But no matter how much I changed it, the essence of that original pumpkin soup remained – simple, comforting, and delicious.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the smells and sounds of cooking, I can't help but think of all the memories that this recipe holds. It is more than just a dish – it is a piece of my history, a connection to the past that I can hold onto and share with others.

And so, as I stir the pot and taste the soup, I am filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences that have brought me to this moment. I may have learned this recipe from a cookbook at a flea market, but the real magic came from the love and joy that I poured into it each time I made it.

And that, my dear grandchildren, is how I learned to make the perfect pumpkin soup. So remember, when you cook this recipe for your own families one day, to infuse it with your own memories and traditions. For that is what truly makes a dish special – the love and care that you put into it.