Savory Asian Pumpkin Soup

Savory Asian Pumpkin Soup

by Dolce Vita Baskets 

You’ll find a new way to enjoy pumpkin soup with this pungent and spicy variety. We’ve added an Asian flair to introduce the best flavors to blend with a popular fall recipe. Pumpkin soup is a favorite during the cooler months but can be enjoyed anytime you want a healthy addition to your table.

Ingredients:

2 cans of 15 oz pureed pumpkin

1 cup roasted sesame oil

4 cups chopped green onion

4 cups chopped fresh kale

12 oz package fresh sliced mushrooms

3 tablespoons Gochujang Chile Paste*

¾ cup Hoisin sauce

4 cloves of fresh garlic

3-4 cups chicken stock

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

¼ cup heavy cream

salt

Instructions:

Begin with sautéing the fresh kale in about ¼ cup sesame oil with chopped fresh garlic and dash of salt. Cook on low heat in a covered sauté pan stirring frequently until tender. Add small amounts of stock as needed to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and set aside until later.

Chop the sliced mushrooms about half the size, remember these will shrink and be perfect for spooning the soup! Set aside for later.

In a large saucepan heat ¾ cup of roasted sesame oil on low flame. Add gochujang chile paste and stir well followed by the chopped green onion. Mix all together to let the flavor incorporate a few minutes before adding a little of the chicken stock for blending. 

Add the pumpkin puree and stir well before beginning to add about half of the chicken stock. You will want to add the stock slowly later in the recipe to your desired consistency. Bring this to boil for a few minutes then lower to simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in the chopped kale.

Cook covered for about 30 minutes before adding the Hoison sauce. Now stir in the chopped mushrooms and grated ginger and cook 15-20 minutes more. Remove from flame. Drizzle and stir in heavy cream to the desired balance of flavor to your liking. Top with a bit of ginger zest on each individual bowl before serving.

*when Gochujang Chile Paste is not available you may substitute with small amounts of red pepper flakes or cayenne for the heat