2poundspumpkinpeeled and deseeded, roughly chopped
5cupswater OR chicken stock
½tablespoonbrown sugar
½teaspoonground cumin
¼teaspoonground ginger
⅛teaspoonground nutmegor less if you're not a huge fan
Salt + pepperto taste
1bay leaf
Creamto taste (optional)
Instructions
Sauté the vegetables:Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, sweet potato and pumpkin and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Season the soup:Season with brown sugar, nutmeg, cumin, ginger, salt and pepper. Roast the vegetables for another 3-4 minutes, stirring from time to time, until they are starting to soften and brown.
Cook the soup:Pour the chicken stock over the vegetables. Add the bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
Blend the soup:Take the pot off the heat and blend the soup until smooth. I like to use a stick blender when I'm short on time, but you can use a regular blender according to your manufacturer's instructions for hot liquids.
Finish the soup:Add the soup back over medium heat and heat through. Stir in cream to thin to your desired consistency, if desired. Warm for 2-3 minutes, then serve hot.