Rachel Rays Pumpkin Soup With Chili Cran Apple Relish Recipes

PUMPKIN SOUP WITH CHILI CRAN-APPLE RELISH (FROM RACHAEL RAY)

Steps:

• Make the Vegetable Base (steps 2-6).
• Heat a medium size pot over medium to medium high heat.
• Add the oil, then the butter (the oil prevents the butter from burning); I prefer unsalted butter, but salted is OK-- just adjust the amount of salt you use in the seasoning step appropriately.
• Once the butter has melted, add the celery, onion, and bay leaf; If you don't have fresh bay, you can use dried, but you'll have to use less and the amount will depend on how old your herb is.
• Season with salt and pepper (Remember, you'll be able to adjust seasoning later, and if you're using canned chicken stock, it can be very salty, so if in doubt, go lightly at this stage).
• Cook until tender, 6-7 minutes.
• Add the Roux (steps 8-10).
• Add the flour, poultry seasoning and hot sauce (I use Tabasco, but any brand will do).
• Cook for 1-2 minutes, to let the flour cook-- you want a golden brown color, not a dark brown.
• Whisk in the chicken stock (I use a low sodium variety, but again, as long as you adjust for the amount of sodium, any brand will do) and bring the liquid to a bubble (above a simmer, but not a boil).
• Add the Pumpkin and Main Ingredients (steps 12-15).
• Whisk in the pumpkin in large spoonfuls.
• Simmer for 10 minutes to let all the ingredients thicken and the flavors come together.
• Add the cream and nutmeg and stir to combine.
• Reduce the heat to low and keep warm until ready to serve.
• To Make the Chili Cran-Apple Relish (garnish), combine all the relish ingredients (apple, onion, lemon juice, cranberries, chili powder, honey, cinnamon), then adjust the seasonings in the relish.
• To Serve (Presentation), adjust the seasonings in the soup, serve the soup in shallow bowls, and put several spoonfuls of the relish on top.
• Enjoy!

PUMPKIN AND BLACK BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add oil. When oil is hot, add onion. Saute onions 5 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes, black beans and pumpkin puree. Stir to combine ingredients and bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and stir in cream, curry, cumin, cayenne and salt, to taste. Simmer 5 minutes, adjust seasonings and serve garnished with chopped chives.

SAUSAGE, PUMPKIN AND ARBORIO SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the EVOO in a soup pot or large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, crumbling it with a wooden spoon, until browned. Add the garlic and onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the bay leaf and squash and season with salt, pepper and a little nutmeg. Stir in the stock and half-and-half and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the kale. Simmer until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
• Add the rice and simmer until just tender, 18 to 20 minutes, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the sage.
• Ladle the soup into shallow bowls. Top with Parmigiano-Reggiano and a drizzle of EVOO. Cook's Note: The soup, without the rice, can be covered and refrigerated for a make-ahead meal. Add the rice before serving.