Spicy Pumpkin Soup

Spicy Pumpkin Soup that serves approximately 4-6 people:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized pumpkin (about 2-3 pounds)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spiciness)

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 cup coconut milk

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

• Optional: toasted pumpkin seeds and a dollop of sour cream for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and stringy bits. Cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

• Roast the pumpkin in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

• While the pumpkin is roasting, heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

• Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to release the flavors and aromas.

• Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop out the roasted flesh and add it to the pot with the sautéed onions and spices. Stir to combine.

• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

• Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it's smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender, but be careful not to overfill the blender, as hot liquids can splatter.

• Return the blended soup to the pot, and stir in the coconut milk. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the soup to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Serve the spicy pumpkin soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Enjoy your Spicy Pumpkin Soup as a comforting and flavorful fall or winter dish!