Pumpkin and Coconut Soup

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbs pumpkin (whole)
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1 small red chile, chopped
• 3 3/8 cups chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon dried shrimp
• 5 tablespoons coconut cream
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1. 1

   Halve the pumpkin and remove the seeds. Cut away the skin and dice the flesh.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a large pot and fry the mustard seeds until they begin to pop. Stir in the garlic, onion, celery, and chili and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the pumpkin with the stock and dried shrimp and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer gently for about 30 minutes until the ingredients are very tender.

4. 4

   Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and process till smooth (remember to take out the "blow hole" in the lid and cover with towel when you turn it on or you and your kitchen will be wearing the soup). I like to use my hand-held emulsifier (hand blender).

5. 5

   Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Serve Hot, sprinkled with chopped cilantro.