Noel’s Kitchen Confidential

Monday, September 6, 2010

I love mom bloggers! They inspire me, make me laugh, and really help me keep it all in perspective. Here’s a special Labor Day shout-out to foodie/mom blogger Noel Chapman. And for you, dear reader, her awesome Curried Pumpkin Soup recipe to kick off your fall comfort food meal ideas!

Food blogger Noel’s culinary prowess comes from both her professional background and her personal life. As a kitchen consultant, she demonstrates cooking skills and sells cooking tools at home parties, and as a Real Mom who loves to cook, she’s got a lot of great insights on her website, Noel’s Kitchen Tips. Check it out for healthy recipes, time-saving tips, and articles to to find new ways to make good-for-you family meals.

And in the meantime remember, as Noel says, “after all, eating out is expensive…eating with family…priceless.”

Curried Pumpkin Soup
Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tb. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tb. butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 3 celery sticks, chopped
  • 3 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 6 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 Tb. curry powder
  • 1 Tb. Thai Red Curry Rub
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions:
In a 5-quart Dutch oven or stockpot, heat the oil and butter. Once butter has melted, add onion, carrots, celery, and apples. Sauté all ingredients until  tender. Add the pumpkin and coconut milk. Stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until all ingredients are combined.

In a small bowl, add seasonings. Stir the seasonings together and add to pumpkin mixture. Next, slowly add the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove from heat and use a hand blender. Puree until ingredients are smooth. (This can also be done in a food processor, but be sure to do 2 cups or smaller portions at a time to avoid spillage or burning yourself.) Garnish with some sour cream or flat leaf parsley, and enjoy!