Creamy Pumpkin Soup

with Bao Naan and Spring Onion Garnish

Ingredients

Pumpkin Soup

• Half a pumpkin (750 g - 1 kg), peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, skin removed
• 3 cups (750 ml) vegetable stock
• 500 ml cream
• Olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1-2 tsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar

Bao Naan Bread

• 250 g flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• 130 ml warm milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• For cooking: butter
• Clove of garlic (optional, for garlic butter)

Garnish

• Spring onions, finely sliced
• Optional: sour cream (small dollop)

Method

Roast the Pumpkin

1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 390°F
2. Place pumpkin, onion and garlic on an oven tray
3. Drizzle with olive oil
4. Season with salt, pepper, cumin and nutmeg
5. Roast for 30 minutes

Make the Dough

1. Combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, warm milk and olive oil
2. Mix into a dough, knead 8-10 minutes until smooth
3. Cover with cling wrap and rest for 1 hour

Add Stock and Continue Roasting

1. Once the pumpkin has been in the oven for 30 minutes, remove tray and add 3 cups (750 ml) of vegetable stock to the tray
2. Return to oven and roast for another 30 minutes

Blend the Soup

1. Transfer all roasted contents to a large pot
2. Blend until smooth

Finish the Soup

1. Add cream and mix until combined
2. Adjust thickness with extra stock if needed - soup should be pourable, not thick
3. Add 1-2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar to balance
4. Season to taste

Cook the Bao Naan

1. Divide dough into 8 portions
2. Roll out pieces until about 3-4 mm thick
3. Roll one piece thinner for a slightly crispier version
4. Heat a dollop of butter in a pan over medium heat
5. Cook bread until golden on both sides
6. Optional: brush with garlic butter
7. Tip: replace butter between batches to prevent burning

Plating

1. Pour soup into a bowl
2. Add a small dollop of sour cream (optional)
3. Sprinkle fresh spring onions in the centre
4. Serve with buttered bao naan on the side, including one thinner, slightly crispier piece