Pumpkin Soup with Chives

Pumpkin Soup with Chives Recipe from Peru

Region / culture: Peru | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pumpkin soup with chives is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the fall season. The combination of creamy pumpkin puree, savory chicken stock, and aromatic chives creates a flavorful and satisfying soup that is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.

History

Pumpkin soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of chives adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the soup, making it a unique and tasty twist on a classic recipe.

Ingredients

0.5 cup diced onion
5 cup Homemade chicken stock
2.5 cup pumpkin puree
salt and nutmeg
cayenne pepper
2 cup light cream
whipped cream
Fresh chives

How to prepare

Cook the mixture, covered, in boiling water for approximately 25 minutes.
Mash the mixture and let it drain in a strainer for 30 minutes.
In a saucepan, cook diced onion with stock for about 10 minutes.
Add pumpkin puree and seasonings to the mixture.
Process the mixture in a blender.
Add cream and heat the mixture through.
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Ladle the mixture into a pumpkin shell, replace the lid, and ladle into individual bowls at the table.
Garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped chives.

Variations

Add a splash of apple cider for a hint of sweetness.
Top each serving with toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Stir in a spoonful of sour cream for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the diced onion and stock together for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

- When blending the soup mixture, be sure to process it until it is smooth and creamy.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a spicier flavor.

- Garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and chopped chives for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pumpkin soup with chives as a starter for a fall dinner party, or enjoy it as a light lunch with a side salad and crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Boil, mash, and strain the pumpkin mixture for a smooth and creamy texture.

- Blend the soup mixture until it is silky and velvety.

- Heat the soup through gently to prevent curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute coconut milk for the cream for a dairy-free option.

- Swap out the pumpkin puree for butternut squash for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive touch. - Garnish each serving with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the pumpkin soup with chives with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay for a complete meal.

- Serve the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and satisfying lunch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 15g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 200%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Iron: 8%

- Calcium: 6%

Alergens

Contains dairy (cream)

Summary

Pumpkin soup with chives is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a comforting meal.

Summary

Pumpkin soup with chives is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the fall season. With its creamy texture, savory flavor, and aromatic chives, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it as a starter for a dinner party or as a light lunch with a side salad and crusty bread.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Pumpkin Soup with Chives. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my family. My mother had invited some friends over for a dinner party, and she had decided to make this pumpkin soup as the main course. I remember watching her as she carefully peeled and chopped the fresh pumpkin, adding in the fragrant chives and other seasonings to create a rich and flavorful soup.

As the delicious aroma of the soup filled the kitchen, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. My mother, always eager to pass on her culinary knowledge to me, agreed to teach me the recipe. She explained that the key to a good pumpkin soup was in the quality of the ingredients and the careful balance of flavors.

Over the years, I have made this pumpkin soup many times, each time adjusting and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, bringing warmth and comfort to their tables just as my mother did for me all those years ago.

But the story of this recipe goes beyond just my mother's kitchen. As I grew older and began to explore the world beyond my small town, I discovered that pumpkin soup was a dish that was enjoyed in many different cultures and cuisines. I learned new techniques and flavor combinations from people I met along the way, incorporating them into my own version of the soup.

One particularly memorable experience was when I traveled to France and had the opportunity to taste a traditional French pumpkin soup. The subtle flavors of the herbs and spices used in the soup were unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to incorporate some of these elements into my own recipe.

I also learned a special trick for adding an extra depth of flavor to the soup - roasting the pumpkin before adding it to the pot. This simple step brought out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and gave the soup a rich, caramelized flavor that was truly unforgettable.

As I continued to experiment and refine the recipe, I found that the addition of chives gave the soup a fresh and vibrant flavor that perfectly complemented the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin. The subtle onion-like taste of the chives added a unique twist to the soup that set it apart from other pumpkin recipes.

Now, whenever I make this pumpkin soup with chives, I am transported back to that moment in my mother's kitchen, watching her create magic with just a few simple ingredients. I am reminded of the joy and comfort that a homemade meal can bring, and I am grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking.

So, as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of pumpkin soup with chives, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the people and places that have influenced this recipe. Each spoonful is a reminder of the journey that brought me here, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share this delicious soup with those I love.