Pumpkin Soup in Shell

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and strings. Brush the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake the pumpkin for 45-50 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
4. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the ground ginger and cumin and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
7. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
8. Add the heavy cream and stir until heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Pour the soup into the baked pumpkin. Serve hot with vegetable chips or other toppings.

Vegetable Chips

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, parsnips, turnips)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and slice the vegetables into thin rounds using a mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
4. Place the vegetables on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the oil mixture over the vegetables.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and browned around the edges.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with pumpkin soup or as a healthy snack.

Verdict & Serving Suggestions

The combination of the warm and creamy pumpkin soup with the crispy and salty vegetable chips makes for a perfect gourmet meal. This recipe is perfect for cooler weather and will warm you up from the inside out. You can also serve the pumpkin soup in individual bowls and top with vegetable chips, croutons, or grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!