Caribbean Pumpkin Soup

How many of us make a smooth soup out of the pumpkin found in the Caribbean? I certainly didn't until recently.

Of course any Virgin Islander has enjoyed the sweetness of pumpkin in various dishes. I personally love pumpkin and rice. I also love to find pumpkin pieces in my peas soup. But I hadn't enjoyed the pleasures of a plain, smooth, yummy, pumpkin soup.

I am no culinary expert but here is how I made it:
1. Remove seeds and cube the pumpkin.
2. Place cubes in a pot and cover with cold water. Add a small amount of onion, garlic, and ginger (the amount you add depends on how much of the pumpkin you are cooking; you don't want the pumpkin flavor to be over powered by the onion and garlic; the ginger gives the soup a little kick.)
3. Once the pumpkin is cooked, remove it from the pot and blend with additional cold water in the blender/Vitamix (Leave the cooking water in the pot, it is too hot to blend but do not discard; also remember that heat expands as you blend hot foods so be careful and look on YouTube or read about blending hot foods.)
4. After blending, return to the cooking water.
5. Bring to a slow simmer and add heavy cream or milk.
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. I also like to add a touch of butter.

Of course, adjust the recipe as your health concerns dictate. Some people also add a touch of sugar. I just like to taste the sweetness of the pumpkin.

We are no culinary experts we just love local Virgin Islands food and we love to share different ways to prepare it.
We also believe that home cooking reigns supreme. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: We are not chefs, nor medical professionals. We simply love to cook, love VI food, love Caribbean produce and love to share.