Creamed Potato and Pumpkin Soup

This is a delicious version of potato and pumpkin soup. I use Kent (jap) pumpkin which is slightly sweeter than most. It is a hearty soup which can be eaten as a main meal particularly during winter; serve it with warm crusty bread. In fact I only make it during autumn and winter. I use a Bamix to puree the soup in the pot which saves having to scoop it into a blender or food processor.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2  ounces butter or 2  ounces margarine
• 2  onions, peeled and sliced
• 1  garlic clove, crushed
• 2  lbs pumpkin, peeled and diced
• 12  ounces potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 2 1⁄2 cups  chicken stock or 2 1⁄2 cups  vegetable stock
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1  teaspoon lemon juice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 1⁄2 cups milk
• 6  tablespoons sour cream
•  freshly chopped  coriander (cilantro) or  parsley (to garnish)

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan and sauté onions and garlic very gently until soft but not browned.
2. Add pumpkin and potatoes and cook for a few minutes, then add tomato paste, stock, seasonings, lemon juice and allspice and bring to boil.
3. Cover pan and simmer gently for about 40 minutes or until very tender.
4. Puree in a blender or food processor and return to a clean pan.
5. Add milk and bring back to boil, whisking continuously. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasonings and stir in sour cream.
6. Reheat and serve sprinkled generously with coriander or parsley.
7. Without the addition of cream this soup may be frozen for up to 3 months.