Chili purists might not like the comparison, but this hearty fall soup is almost like a pumpkin-flavored take on chili: it’s got all the hallmarks of traditional chili (the spicy punch, the onions and peppers, and the rich tomato base pulling everything together), but with just enough of a twist to set it apart. As with any Paleo chili recipe, this one is also beanless; here, cauliflower makes up the difference in texture, with a significant advantage in nutrition.
Simmered slowly in rich homemade stock, all these vegetables become tender and flavorful, a sweet-savory backdrop for the traditional spicy chili seasoning. It’s warm and comforting, a great alternative if you want a pumpkin recipe that isn’t all about pies and pancakes and sweet flavors. It’s also a perfect workaround if you’re worried about your pumpkin getting watery: many aspiring pumpkin-pie bakers are disappointed to find their best efforts sabotaged by a watery pumpkin, but in a soup, you can simply add a little less liquid and the problem disappears!
If you aren’t a big fan of ham, you can easily substitute chicken here; the result will be a little different, but just as delicious. Topping the bowl off with green onions and avocado adds one more tweak for your taste buds to get interested in – not to mention plenty of healthy fat and a pretty bright-green garnish. Serve it up as a hearty weekend lunch or a well-earned dinner after a long day at work, and enjoy!
Ham and Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Serves 6
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 3 hours.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups of cooked ham;
- 1 medium onion, chopped;
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped;
- 3 garlic cloves, minced;
- 1 cauliflower head, chopped;
- 15 oz. pumpkin flesh, cubed;
- 14 oz. diced tomatoes;
- 1 avocado, cubed;
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced;
- 3 garlic cloves, minced;
- 3 cups chicken stock;
- 2 tsp. dried parsley flakes;
- 2 tsp. chili powder;
- 1 tsp. ground cumin;
- 1 tsp. dried oregano;
- 2 tbsp. ghee or other Paleo fat;
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste;
Preparation
- In a large saucepan, heat the cooking fat over a medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until tender (about 4 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in all the remaining ingredients except for the avocado and the green onions.
- Cook, covered, on low for 3 hours or until the pumpkin is soft.
- Once the soup is ready, season with salt and pepper to taste and pour it into individual bowls. Top with the avocado and green onions to serve.
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