Spicy Pumpkin Soup With Mexican Cream And Toasted Pepitas Recipes

SPICY PUMPKIN SOUP

Steps:

• In a small nonreactive bowl, briskly whisk both the cream and sour cream. Slowly add the lime juice to the cream mixture. Continue whisking until thick and thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. (This crema can be made 1 week ahead of time. Keep refrigerated.)
• In a heavy bottomed large pot, over medium heat, add the softened butter until melted.
• Add the onions and sauté for about 10 minutes or so, until softened and translucent, but not beginning to brown.
• In the same pot, thoroughly combine the canned pumpkin, whole milk and your desired amount of crushed dried red pepper. Continue stirring, slowly. You don't want the milk to splash around!
• Purée the entire mixture. Depending on the "bowl" of your processor or blender, you may need to puree in separate batches or use an immersion blender.
• Return pureed pumpkin mixture to pot.
• Slowly and thoroughly stir in the broth. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to marry the flavors, returning to stir from time to time.
• Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Ladle soup into bowls, or cups. With a spoon, drizzle with chilled cream mixture and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds. Sip Sip Away!

MESA GRILL'S PUMPKIN SOUP WITH MEXICAN CINNAMON CREME FRAICHE AND TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS WITH SPINACH, PEAR AND PANCETTA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a medium stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots and celery and cook until soft. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain the stock into a clean medium saucepan and whisk in the pumpkin puree until smooth. Bring to a simmer and add the 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, spices, honey and chipotle. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Add water, if the soup is too thick. Remove from the heat and whisk in 1/4 cup of the creme fraiche and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix together the remaining creme fraiche and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon until combined. Divide the soup among 4 bowls and garnish with the cinnamon creme fraiche and a handful of pumpkin seeds.
• For the Spinach, Pear and Pancetta Salad: Saute pancetta in skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Pour all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings out. Add shallots and cook until soft. Add vinegar, mustard and thyme; whisk to blend. Add oil and whisk to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm. Combine spinach, pears, red onion and pancetta in a large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat.

SPICY PUMPKIN SOUP RECIPE

Steps:

• Place a large sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil, onion, garlic and jalapenos. Saute for 3-5 minutes until soft. Stir in the cumin, oregano and salt. Saute another 2 minutes.
• Add the stock, pumpkin puree and beans to the pot. Simmer for 20 minutes, uncovered. Then add the vinegar and honey and simmer another 3-5 minutes.
• Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. *You can also use a regular blender, but be careful! Open the vent in the lid and place a towel over it to protect from hot splashing liquid.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spread the pepitas and onions out on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with a dash or two of cayenne pepper and a little salt. Toast for 3-4 minutes.
• Serve the soup warm, sprinkled with toasted pepitas and onions.

SPICY PUMPKIN SOUP WITH MEXICAN CREAM AND TOASTED PEPITAS

Steps:

• Whisk first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Cover; chill 2 hours. (Mexican cream can be made 1 week ahead. Keep chilled.)
• Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 10 minutes. Mix in pumpkin, milk and crushed red pepper. Working in batches, puree mixture in processor. Return to pot. Add broth; simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool. Cover and chill. Bring to simmer before continuing.)
• Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle with cream. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.