This pumpkin soup recipe is one of many delicious pumpkin recipes that have been served throughout the world. In Haiti on January 1st it is served as a symbol of independence and unity. During the era of slavery, the French colonists were the only ones allowed to consume the soup. It was a forbidden food for any Haitian. Once freed, a huge pot of pumpkin soup was made and shared amongst all.
Though the Haitian version of pumpkin soup calls for slightly different ingredients this is a simple recipe that you can make anytime of the year. Spend time reflecting on its symbolism, especially if served as a compliment to our own traditional Thanksgiving Day meal. You can replace canned pumpkin with fresh pumpkin by using the directions here.
Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients:
6 cups chicken broth
1 to 2 (16 oz.) cans solid-pack pumpkin
1 cup onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup whipping cream, warmed
Fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
1. In a covered saucepan, heat all ingredients except cream to boiling.
2. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Stir warm cream into soup.
3. Garnish with parsley and serve in a hollowed-out pumpkin which as been warmed for 20 minutes in a 350 degree F oven.
Other Great Fall Dishes to Try
Pumpkin soup is a fantastic dish to try out during the fall, especially as part of a Thanksgiving feast. Once you've given this great recipe a try, consider trying out these other fall dishes:
- Butternut squash soup. Butternut squash is arguably one of the most popular autumn side dishes. Some people even make an entire dinner out of just butternut squash! If you and your family love butternut squash, go ahead and make a soup out of it! Make a large batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy dinner on a busy night.
- Pecan pie. If you live in the American south, chances are good that you've made a pecan pie before. If you haven't, though, you need to! Pecan pie is an autumn staple in so many American households for good reason. Its distinct flavor will always have pie fans coming back for more.
- Pumpkin cheesecake. We've all had pumpkin pie as part of a Thanksgiving dinner before. This Thanksgiving, change it up and serve pumpkin cheesecake instead. This heavy, delectable dessert will quickly become a favorite of you and your guests.
- Sticky toffee pudding. When you think autumn dish, you probably think cozy and comforting. As a dessert, sticky toffee pudding is exactly both of those things. You can make this dessert in a slow cooker, too, making it perfect for when you have dessert cravings but don't want to spend a ton of time in the kitchen.
- Sweet potato casserole. Sweet potatoes are beloved by millions of Americans, especially in the fall. This is commonly served as part of Thanksgiving dinner, but you can make it at any time of the year! Kids love this one, and parents can rest assured knowing that sweet potatoes are nutritious.
- Chicken and broccoli casserole. Cozy meals can be nutritious! This chicken and broccoli casserole is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthier dinner. Add cheese for extra flavor and protein.
- Chili. You might think of chili as a summer or winter dish, but it's great at any time of the year! If chili is a comfort food for you, why not make it during a time of the year when many people find themselves craving comfort foods? A good chili recipe is essential to a complete family cookbook.
- Pot roast. This dish takes some effort and time to make, unless you use a slow cooker. Roasts are popular during the holidays, but a good pot roast is a great meal for your family at any time in the fall. Try out different recipes until you find the one you and your family like best.