Moroccan Pumpkin Soup

It was a cold grey day yesterday and I was holed up writing, but I was in the mood for soup and I was definitely wanting something creamy. I noticed my friend had some little pumpkins from the Farmer's Market and I decided to make Pumpkin Soup. I was going to make a previously posted version of Curried Butternut Squash Soup, but there wasn't any Curry Powder here. So, I improvised and used some spices that together gave the Pumpkin Soup a Moroccan flavor. I roasted the Pumpkin first and then mashed it together with some browned onions and some Vegetable Broth (Vegetarian Bouillon Cubes and Water). I couldn't find the blender, but the Pumpkin mashed up well and the pieces of Onion gave it a great texture. It was warm and comforting and delicious and warmed me from the inside out!

Moroccan Pumpkin Soup

1 - 2 small Pumpkins (about 2 cups when mashed)

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 Onion chopped

2 Tablespoons Butter

1 teaspoon Cumin

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground Ginger

pinch of Cayenne Pepper

2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth

1/2 teaspoon Paprika for Garnish

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Cut the Pumpkins in half and scoop out the seeds. Place cut side up in a roasting pan and drizzle with the Olive Oil and Salt.  Bake for 30 - 45 minutes or until fork tender. Remove from the oven and cool. Then scoop the flesh away from the skin and mash (can be done ahead).

In a soup pot, melt the Butter and add in the Onions. Cook, stirring frequently until the onions are browned.  Add in the Cumin, Cinnamon, Ginger and Cayenne and then add in the Pumpkin and Broth. Cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Serve in a Soup Tureen and sprinkle the top with Paprika. This soup tastes even better the next day, so if you want to store it in the refrigerator, you may need to add a bit more water when you heat it up.

Five Element Analysis

Pumpkins are obviously from the Earth Element because of their bright orange flesh and sweet flavor. It's also good for nourishing the spleen, warming the stomach, regulating your blood sugar and helps clear the skin of rashes!  The Chicken or Vegetable Broth contributes the Wood Element and the Onion, Cumin, Cinnamon and Ginger bring in the Metal Element. The Fire Element is represented but the Cayenne Pepper and Paprika and the Water Element is present because this is a soup. This then is a balanced little bowl of soup!