Savoury Pumpkin Soup with Spice

This vegetarian soup is topped with my homemade spice shake. Pure comfort in a cup (or bowl)!

MAKES 8 SERVINGS
Equipment needed: large saucepan, wooden spoon, chopping board, knife, small skillet/frying
pan
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

 

Ingredients:
Soup

  • 1/4 c. olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 small pumpkin (boiled and pureed)
  • 2 qt. vegetable broth
  • 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice

Spice Shake, for serving
Spice Shake

  • 2 tbsp. whole cumin seeds
  • 2 tbsp. whole fennel seeds
  • 2 tbsp. whole coriander seeds
  • 1 c. toasted pepitas
  • 2 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt

Method:

  1. Make the soup: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Add garlic, chili powder, and oregano. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    Add pumpkin puree and broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 25 to 30
    minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stir in lime juice just before serving. Serve with Spice Shake alongside.
  5. Make the Spice Shake: Cook 2 tbsp. each whole cumin seeds, whole fennel seeds, and whole
    coriander seeds in a small skillet over low heat, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes; transfer toa bowl. Add 1 cup toasted pepitas, 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper, and 1 teaspoon kosher
    salt. Makes 1 2⁄3 cups.