Sweet Pumpkin and Ginger Soup

SWEET PUMPKIN AND GINGER SOUP
A sweet, fragrant soup, vibrant in colour and taste. Plain old pumpkin never tasted this good!

serves 6
V GF
what you need
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2cm piece ginger, finely chopped
6 saffron threads
1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg (plus extra to serve)
1.5kg pumpkin, peeled, seeded and diced (1kg flesh)
300g sweet potato, peeled and diced
6 cups (1.5 litres) vegetable stock
sea salt, to taste
1/2 cup (125ml) natural yoghurt (european or greek style) and
handful coriander leaves, to serve

what you do
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, saffron, nutmeg, pumpkin and sweet potato, and sauté without colouring for 2-3 minutes.|
2. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Cook, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove the lid, reduce the heat slightly and simmer uncovered for a further 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Use a hand blender to blend the soup in the pot to a chunky consistency (or smooth if you prefer). Alternatively, cool slightly and puree in batches in a food processor. Season with sea salt. Serve with a dollop of natural yoghurt, a sprinkle of freshly ground nutmeg and fresh coriander leaves.

pumpkin is a humble backyard vegetable that is rich in vital antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C and Vitamin E. It is low in kilojoules, containing no saturated fats or cholesterol, and is a good source of dietary fibre. The flesh is a golden-yellow to orange colour, with a sweet flavour and creamy texture. Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of protein, minerals, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Pumpkin can be cooked in a variety of ways, either baked, added to soups, curries and stews or steamed, allowing maximum retention of nutrients.

© Jane Grover - NAKED FOOD - the way food was meant to be