As the nights draw in you need something comforting and warming to get your through the autumn nights. This roast pumpkin recipe is perfect. I always make double and keep the extra in the fridge, ready to warm through the following day.
2 tsps coriander seeds
2 tsps cumin seeds
vegetable oil
1 medium pumpkin, cut into equal sized cubes
2 banana shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, mashed to a paste
2 inch piece of ginger
1 inch piece of turmeric (or 2 teaspoon dried turmeric)
large pinch of chilli flakes or 2 or 3 dried chillies
2 sticks lemongrass (smashed with a rolling pin or the end of a knife to release their fragrance)
1 tin coconut milk
700ml chicken stock (fresh if possible)
juice of 2 limes
pinch of sugar
dash of thai fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
black pepper
roasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
fresh coriander (optional)
Heat a small frying pan and add the coriander & cumin seeds and dry fry to lightly toast and release the aromas. If you have one, crush the roasted seeds in a pestle and mortar or grind in a spice grinder.
In a big saucepan heat some vegetable oil, add the diced pumpkin, shallots, garlic, ginger and turmeric cook over a low heat until the shallots and garlic are translucent. Add the chillies and all the roasted spices. Stir well to coat in the oil, then add the coconut milk, stock & lemongrass.
Bring to a boil and then reduce to a low heat and cook until the pumpkin is cooked through (it will take about 10 – 15 minutes).
Add the rest of the ingredients - the lime, sugar, fish sauce and soy - all to your taste. Remember that this soup should be well balanced and a mix of sweet, salty and sour.
You can eat the soup as it is – chunky with texture or transfer to a blender and blitz until smooth.
This is delicious served with my recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds or some chopped fresh coriander.
Why pumpkin seed oil is your recipe for great skin
It is packed full of goodness including skin-loving omegas 3, 6 & 9. It is also rich in vitamins A, B, betacarotene, potassium, magnesium and most importantly zinc which gives the oil a lifting effect. It is very good for treating dry, damaged & mature skin.
Pumpkin seed oil can be found in the following products: a little lift & natural serum & rest & regenerate night balm.
