Pumpkins have a sweet flavor that soothes the Vata dosha. This easy pumpkin soup recipe is wonderful to make when you want to feel warmed and nourished from the inside out.

The pumpkin’s cheerful orange flesh is  packed with beta carotene, an antioxidant that helps improve immune function and reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Ingredients:

• 1 large pumpkin
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ghee or olive oil
• 1 cup chopped leeks or onions
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves, ground
• 2 to 3 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup vanilla almond milk (regular milk is also fine)
• Nutmeg for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Wash the pumpkin, cut in half, and remove seeds. Place the pumpkin halves face down in a baking pan. Pour in the water and cover pan with foil. Bake for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the pumpkin pulls out easily.

1. Let cool; then remove the pumpkin pulp from the rind with a spoon. Place into a bowl and set aside. You should have about 3 cups of pumpkin pulp.
2. Heat a soup pot over medium heat and add the oil. Add the leeks and spices. Sauté for 4 or 5 minutes or until the leeks are translucent. Add some stock if the mixture begins to dry.
3. Add the pumpkin pulp and continue to sauté for another 3 or 4 minutes. 
4. Add the vegetable stock to cover the pumpkin and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Using a hand blender or food processor, purée the soup to a smooth and creamy consistency, adding the milk as you purée the soup. Return the soup to the pot and reheat if necessary.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Tip: Don’t throw away the pumpkin seeds. You can make a tasty snack by roasting these hearty seeds, which are a good source of protein and zinc.

Serves 4 to 6

Bon appétit!