Monday, October 26, 2009

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

Woah...is it just me, or did October go flying by? Halloween is nearly upon us! This week, for FHE, we had a pumpkin fest: we carved some pumpkins, made pumpkin olive oil bread, and a delicious pumpkin black bean soup! Inspired by the season (and a cupboard stocked with pumpkin puree), this pumpkin soup was perfect for our pumpkin carving night because it got to simmer on the stove in a big heavy pot, while we got our hands dirty digging into pumpkin flesh.

In fact, this big black pot definitely resembles a cauldron. We're clearly getting into the Halloween spirit! But Halloween aside, this soup definitely needs to make it into your repertoire. It's hearty with a chili-like consistency, not-too-pumpkin-y (it really should be called Black Bean soup with a hint of pumpkin, but hey, this is October!), and it really warms you on a drafty night like this one.


Did I mention that it's SO EASY? Throw some delicious combination of spices and veggies in a pot, simmer, and enjoy! Plus, this is a veggie version, for when your vegetarian best friend comes to dinner (Hi Tracie!).

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 c. chopped onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 3 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 c. drained canned diced tomatoes
  • 4 c. vegetable stock
  • 1 can pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (I used a cabernet sauvignon)
  • Sour cream to garnish
  • Roasted pumpkin seeds to garnish (if available)
  1. In a large heavy pot cook onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and pepper in oil over moderate heat, stirring, until onion is softened and beginning to brown.
  2. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, stock, pumpkin, and wine until combined and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes, or until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon
  3. Serve soup garnished with sour cream and toasted pumpkin seeds
Why not make tonight your own pumpkin-fest?
-Erin

And for good measure, here are the pumpkins we carved tonight: Che and Batman!

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