Passionate about Pumpkin

I love pumpkin. 

Nothing quite like looking at a heap of your own home grown organic pumpkins

Pumpkin is one of my favourite ingredients to cook with and to grow.

In  my book, The Pram Diet I shared my popular moist pumpkin cake recipe and on this blog you can find lots of pumpkin recipes including my Organic Pumpkin and Lentil Soup

My Pumpkin and Feta Quiche

My tasty tempeh, chick pea and pumpkin bites

My roast pumpkin, feta and capsicum pasta

My Vegeliscious Pumpkin Muffins

And today I am sharing with you my protein power pumpkin soup that I also actually often use as a layer in a dish I am famous for amongst family friends,  my pumpkin lasagne!

                                Protein Power Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

• 1 medium pumpkin
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 2 teaspoons chili (or to taste)
• 1 can organic coconut cream, (I used light)
• 1 can water (as needed)
• 1 can three bean mix, washed and drained
• 2 tbls raw, organic honey
• 1/4 cup quinoa
• 1 tbls olive oil

Method

• In a saucepan fry the onion in the olive oil on a medium low heat until transparent
• Add in the garlic, chili, turmeric and thyme, stir together over heat for 2-4 minutes.
• Cut the pumpkin into bite sized pieces and add into the frying pan.
• Stir together for 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in the coconut cream, and some water if needed, bring to the boil.
• Add in the quinoa and reduce it to a slow simmer.
• When quinoa is cooked and pumpkin is tender and mashable add in the drained beans and honey.
• Blend it all together to make a lovely smooth, rich soup.
• Season to taste with Himalayan pink salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

• Beautiful creamy and thick soup this is great to also seal in batches and freeze for lunches or dinners.
• I use this as a layer sometimes in my famous pumpkin lasagna from my cookbook
  which I might blog with you all soon!.
• I made my soup extra beautiful and smooth using a 

"Masher"

I was sent one of these to test and have to say I have found it easy to use and effective.

What is a masher?
Unlike conventional cutting blades that over-process and rupture the starch grains in potato producing glue like mash, the Masha’s innovative design works to create a perfect mash every time. But don’t just stop at potatoes! The Masha can be used to mash a variety of vegetables such as pumpkin, to prepare baby food, make a creamy guacamole, or even to rub butter into flour for cake mix.

The Masha uses patented Rotor Cone technology, which allows the motor to gently squeeze ingredients through the outer mesh at a safe, low speed. As the Masha has no blade it is safe for the whole family.

 Making the perfect mash, dips or baby food couldn’t be easier or more convenient with the Masha. Designed with a non-slip handgrip and balanced weight distribution, the Masha ensures no strain to the wrists which is essential for arthritis sufferers and the older generation.

Masha is safe for dishwashers and friendly on non-stick pots. RRP$59.95 www.prepstore.com.au

Happy Cooking
Bek XXX