Saturday, November 7, 2009

Everything You Ever Wanted to Learn About Pumpkin Soup Varieties

By Ken Kudra

Pumpkin soup can be made with many variations. While you may not think of many off the top of your head, there are many ways to approach this meal besides the classic creamed soup. Easy recipes include a honey roasted pumpkin soup, which is made from pumpkin, onions and garlic drizzled with honey before roasting. It is simple and delicious.

Another easy pumpkin soup variation to try is pumpkin and cheese. This is a simple soup you can make using canned pumpkin puree. Simply add in your ingredients like spices, cream, broth, brown sugar and some grated cheddar cheese. Serve this soup with some fresh rolls or melt some grated cheese on top until it is bubbly and delicious.

A further variation on pumpkin soup uses Marsala wine and real maple syrup. The rich flavors combine to create a delicious soup. Always use real maple syrup for this variation. Imitation syrups do not create the same flavors in your soup.

You can also influence your pumpkin soup by changing cuisines. There are pumpkin soups in Thai, Haitian, Mexican and Jamaican cuisines. The common spices of each cuisine make the difference, creating new flavor variations with the pumpkin.

For a more exotic flavor, try pumpkin ginger soup. Ginger will give this creamy soup a bit of heat and Asian flavor. If you like it hotter you can add some chilies as well. Garnish the soup with a little chopped cilantro and pumpkin seeds. If you like a whiter soup, try using white pumpkin. This soup is not your average pumpkin soup! Serve it as an appetizer for an Asian themed meal or serve it alone.

Try adding some specialty ingredients to change your soup. Shrimp adds a nice seafood flavor to the soup, while chocolate can create an unusual dessert soup. Make your soup spicy or mild. Peppers will add some kick to your soup if you like it hot. Use chipotle if you want a milder heat. Peanut butter can be combined with pumpkin soup to make an unusual flavor. Add bacon or sausage to bring it all together. This fast recipe can be done at the last minute.

Ingredients you traditionally associate with fall like apples are often added to pumpkin soup. You can use other winter squashes like butternut or acorn in your soup. Even sweet potatoes will add a new twist, adding their own sweetness and texture. Do not be afraid to use herbs to create different flavor blends in your soup. In the hot days of summer, try a chilled pumpkin soup that will help your guests cool down admirably.

No matter what variation of pumpkin soup you want to try, you will be treated to a rich, flavorful meal that will fill you up. The creamy texture of the soup is satisfying and velvety. It may become a new favorite. If you do not have a lot of time, you can always make your soup in a crockpot and let it cook all day long.

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