Ingredients:
- Pumpkin (flesh): 2 pounds, peeled and seeded
- Tea Rubs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of black tea leaves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Fresh sage leaves: a few for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Pumpkin and Tea Rubs: Add the pumpkin flesh and tea rubs to the pot, stirring to coat the pumpkin with the butter and spices. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, increase the heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the pumpkin is very tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Puree the Soup: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (in batches if necessary) and puree until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
- Season and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired. Serve warm.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the pumpkin soup, complementing the traditional flavors of pumpkin and spices.
- For a smoother texture, make sure to blend the soup until very smooth. You can also pass the soup through a fine-mesh sieve for an even creamier texture.
- This Pumpkin Soup with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.