Pumpkin Squash Leek Bean And Bacon Soup Recipes

PUMPKIN (SQUASH), LEEK, BEAN AND BACON SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a dutch oven or large, deep saucepan that can hold all the ingredients.
• Lightly fry the chopped bacon. Remove and set aside. If the bacon has released a lot of fat, drain off as much as you wish.
• Reheat the remaining oil/bacon fat. Add sliced leek and onion and crushed garlic, and saute until tender.
• Add chopped pumpkin and saute for five minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add stock, beans, bacon, tarragon, thyme and chili flakes.
• Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until pumpkin is fork tender.
• Add 1/4 cup parsley.
• Zap the cooked mixture with a stab blender or buzz up in a food processor. Or crush with a potato masher. The choice depends on your consistency preferences.
• Stir in cream (if used), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reheat gently.
• Ladle into bowls and garnish with sour cream and additional parsley or coriander (cilantro).

LEEK AND PUMPKIN SOUP

Steps:

• Melt butter in a heavy casserole. Add the leeks and saute slowly, over low heat, until they are tender but not brown. Stir in the garlic.
• Add the pumpkin and water, cover and simmer until the pumpkin is tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes, then puree in one or two batches in a food processor.
• Return the puree to the casserole, add the milk and season to taste with salt and pepper. Reheat before serving. Sprinkle each serving with chives.