Gingered Pumpkin-Pear Soup

* Use any sweet pears you like: Bartlett, Anjou or Bosc. Just sample before using to make sure you do not have grainy pears that will affect the consistency. * To scrape pumpkin pulp from peel easily, hold it in place with tongs and use an ice cream scoop. * Not all pumpkins are born the same: if using a bigger pumpkin, you can freeze the extra pulp for future use. * Like a spicier soup? Add more ginger; rather have a more mild? Use only 1 tsp ginger. * More curry powder can be added for a more “Asian” flavor. Feel free to experiment with different curry blends according to personal preferences. * If you like your soup even richer in flavor, you can add cayenne pepper, ground coriander and even minced garlic. * Taste the soup before serving: if a little too spicy, add up to 1/2 cup of cream to cool it down. * An even fancier garnish is dried pear slices: preheat oven to 200°F / 95°C. Cut a pear lengthwise into paper thin slices. Arrange in single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until dry, about 1 hour. Let cool completely before handling. * Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds for a more “earthy” feel

ingredients

1 medium size pumpkin (about 3 lb), cut in half and seeded
1 Tbsp butter
2 sweet onions, chopped
3 tsp fresh ginger, grated
3 ripe sweet pears, peeled cored and chopped
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup dry white wine
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp coarse sea salt
Garnish: 1 pear cored and thinly sliced

directions

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C
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2. Place halved and seeded pumpkin, cut sides down, on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes until tender. Cool. Scrape pumpkin pulp from peel with a spoon. Set aside in a bowl.
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3. Melt butter in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add onions, pears and ginger. Saute for 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
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4. Add pumpkin pulp and saute for 5 more minutes
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5. Add broth and wine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat
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6. Add curry powder, black pepper and salt. Stir well, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
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7. Puree soup with a chopping hand-blender until smooth.
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8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with pear slices.