1.5kgpumpkin (Kent, butternut, winter squash, pumpkin) 3.3 lbsI like the taste of Kent/winter squash. You can also do a mix.
3cloves garlic, unpeeled (can do more if you like garlic)
1-2tspcumin (can do more, up to you how much you like it, but this definitely takes the pumpkin to another level)
olive oil, salt, pepper
Soup Base
1onion, choppedOption: Can do leek instead
40gbutter
2-3potatoes, diced (depending on size)
1.5litrechicken stock
salt, pepper, herbs
cream or sour cream to serve (optional)
dried chilli flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 210℃/410℉.
Chop pumpkin into cubes. Put pumpkin and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet on a baking tray. Drizzle liberally with olive oil. Season pumpkin with cumin, salt and pepper.
Bake for 20-30 minutes or until pumpkin is soft. The roasted garlic should not be too browned (it shouldn't smell burned) and be able to be squeezed out of its peel.
Meantime, in a large saucepan, fry onion in butter until translucent.
Add potatoes and fry for a further few minutes. (If you want a hint of chilli, add this at the end of the potato fry before adding stock. Amount is up to you.)
Add chicken stock and bring to boil.
Add chopped potatoes. When comes to boil again, reduce heat and cook potatoes for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are very tender and able to be mashed with a fork.
Add in roasted pumpkin. Squeeze garlic out of peel into the soup.
Take soup off heat. With a hand-masher, mash the ingredients together until they reach a texture you like. Return to stove on low heat and continue to mash as it will liquify a little further.
Once take off heat, you can use hand blender for a creamier soup.
Season again with salt and pepper to your taste.
Serve as is, or with a dollop of cream or sour cream. Add chives, parsley or thyme. If you're sorry you didn't add chilli earlier, throw in some slices of fresh chilli now. Serve with crusty bread or even over cooked rice.