Dating Advice

Does the idea of cold pumpkin soup sound strange to you? If you are from the United States, you have probably never had this smooth, delicious soup, but you might want to try it. There are types popular all over the world, from South African pumpkin soup to Australian and Parisian varieties.Pumpkin soup can be a real treat, even if its color and texture look a little bit unusual. Many people do not get around to trying it because they are used to having pumpkins only in the form of pie, but this sweet, delicious food is something you should not allow yourself to miss out on.Serve up pumpkin soup in all kinds of different ways. It can be sipped from mugs, spooned from bowls, cooked right inside the pumpkin or served in a hollowed out pumpkin shell that offers an excellent centerpiece option, as well as being full of a great meal. Top it with a little bit of sweet spice or chopped parsley or onion for a beautiful look.Pumpkins do not just make creamy, delicious meals - they are also full of good nutrition. Vitamins A and C, iron and fiber are all found in pumpkins, as well as a number of other important nutrients, too. Even your kids will love eating their vegetables after you get them hooked on pumpkin soup.Try Thai and Indonesian-inspired easy cold pumpkin soup that adds coconut and carrot, for a rich and exotic treat that's excellent for those last hot days of late summer, when the pumpkins are coming into the market, but the temperature hasn't cooled down yet. If you would like to enjoy this soup when pumpkins are not in season, frozen or canned puree can do the trick.The best kind of pumpkin to use for these soups is a small type, usually referred to as a pie pumpkin. Do not use a jack-o-lantern pumpkin! They are harder, woodier, and less flavorful than their smaller, sweeter, more tender cousins are. Pumpkins can be easily prepared for cooking by slicing them in half, cleaning out the seeds, and cutting them into smaller pieces.Next, you either peel the pumpkin and cook the flesh, or cook the pumpkin and spoon the pulp from the skin. Save the skin for stock, or put it on the compost pile, then take the pumpkin flesh and run it through the food processor to get a consistent, smooth puree.Savory ingredients that go well with pumpkin include garlic and onion, as well as chicken and vegetable broths. Add in coconut, soy, or cow's milk, or some cream or half and half. Then blend partially or completely to get a smooth result, with or without some textural pieces. Chill and serve for a real taste sensation.Black bean and pumpkin soup is a delicious variation on regular pumpkin soup. The black beans add more flavor and depth as well as texture to this easy recipe. Your family will love it. Serve it as an appetizer to spicy Mexican foods or serve it on its own.