Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Shrimp
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin | 700g |
| Leek | 1 |
| Butter | 50g |
| Fresh Liquid Cream | 200ml |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Shrimp | 600g |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Brandy | 250ml |
| White Wine | 50ml |
| Water | 1L |
| Fresh Chili Pepper | 1 |
| Chives | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Shrimp Broth: Begin by cleaning the shrimp. Remove the heads and shells, and be sure to carefully remove the intestine for optimal flavor. Set the shrimp aside. Place the shells and heads in a pot with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and sauté them until they release their aroma. Once the shells have softened, add the white wine and let it evaporate. Pour in the water (around 1 liter) and simmer for about 30 minutes to create a rich shrimp broth.
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Prepare the Pumpkin: While the shrimp broth is simmering, take the pumpkin and cut it into slices. Remove the skin, and chop it into small, even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
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Cook the Leeks: Clean the leek by discarding the green top and any tough outer layers. Slice the leek thinly and set it aside. In a wide, low pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leek, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. As the leeks soften, begin adding the shrimp broth a little at a time, ensuring that the flavors meld together. Continue to cook until the leeks are tender and the broth has developed a rich flavor.
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Cook the Pumpkin: Once the leek and broth mixture is ready, add the pumpkin pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, and let the pumpkin cook down until it is completely tender and easy to mash, about 15-20 minutes.
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Blend the Soup: Once the pumpkin is fully cooked, transfer the mixture into a blender or food processor. Add the shrimp and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a spoonful of the shrimp broth. Also, incorporate the fresh cream for an even richer texture.
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Finishing Touches: Return the blended soup to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Drizzle in a little extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor and add a silky finish.
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Sauté the Shrimp: In a separate pan, heat a small amount of olive oil and sauté the remaining shrimp with crushed garlic until cooked through and slightly golden on the outside. Be careful not to overcook them to maintain their tender texture.
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Serve: To serve, ladle the creamy pumpkin soup into bowls. Top each serving with the sautéed shrimp, and sprinkle with finely chopped chives. Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Enjoy Your Velvety Delight: Your creamy pumpkin soup with shrimp is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s a warm, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines the sweetness of the pumpkin with the savory, delicate flavor of the shrimp.
This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of pumpkin and the rich flavors of shrimp, creating a delightful and creamy soup that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of fresh chives and a touch of chili pepper adds a beautiful contrast to the smoothness of the dish, making it a unique and unforgettable meal. Serve it as a starter or as a main dish for a cozy family dinner or an elegant dinner party.
