Pumpkin, Coconut and Rum Soup

Adapted from Axel Wichterich at the Marblue Domicil in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. Notes: A secret 'trick' with this soup is to let it age for several hours (or even overnight) before serving it. If you don't have time for this, rest assured that it will still taste great (just try to save some leftovers so you can see what I mean).

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

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 2  medium yellow onions, peeled and chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 10  spring onions, white and pale green parts only, sliced
• 2  lbs pumpkin flesh, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes (you can substitute any flavorful winter squash such as butternut, kabocha, hubbard, etc)
• 2  large carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
• 1 -2  dash scotch bonnet peppers (optional) or 1 -2  dash habanero sauce (optional)
• 5 -6  cups  chicken stock or 5 -6  cups  vegetable stock
• 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2  tablespoons sugar (optional, you might find your squash makes the soup sweet enough)
• 1⁄3 cup dark rum (to taste)
•  additional sliced scallions or  chives, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until just beginning to caramelize, about 20 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and scallions and cook for another minute or two until softened.
3. Add the cubed pumpkin, the carrots, scotch bonnet pepper, stock and coconut milk. Bring to a boil and turn down the heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, for about 35-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are completely soft and the liquid has reduced slightly.
4. Remove from the heat and puree, either in a blender (in batches, and with the lid clamped down tight), or with an immersion (stick) blender. Return to the pot, stir in the sugar, salt and pepper to taste, and the rum. Cover and set aside for several hours or overnight (in which case, refrigerate).
5. Just before serving, reheat the soup to boiling and let boil vigorously for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot with a garnish of thinly-sliced scallions or chives.