Pumpkin Soup with Walnut Crispies

 Pumpkin Soup with Walnut Crispies is a warm, comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the crunch of walnut crispies for a delightful texture contrast. It’s a perfect fall or winter soup, rich in flavor and nutrition. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (or 3 cups fresh pumpkin, peeled and cubed)

4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (optional, for added creaminess)

1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)

For the Walnut Crispies:

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the walnut crispies:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a baking sheet, toss the chopped walnuts with olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Spread the mixture in a single layer.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the walnuts are golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the soup:

Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Add the chopped carrot and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg, cooking for 1-2 minutes to bring out the flavors.

Add the pumpkin puree and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the carrot is tender.

3. Blend the soup:

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.

If you want a creamier texture, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Add a little maple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter soup.

4. Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the walnut crispies. Serve hot.

Pumpkin Soup with Walnut Crispies is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of pumpkin with the crunch of the walnut topping. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, and 

the walnut crispies add a delicious, nutty contrast to the smooth soup.