SERVES 6
This creamy soup at Snow’s lavish banquet enchanted Katniss. Though she tried to set a “one plate per table” rule for herself, this dish was the first of many that night.
Pumpkin soup has a rich creaminess that makes for an especially good dish. Don’t worry, this soup tastes nothing like pumpkin pie. If you’ve never tried pumpkin soup, this is a great one for your first taste.
3½ CUPS CUBED FRESH PUMPKIN
6 CUPS CHICKEN STOCK
1 CUP ONION, CHOPPED
1½ TEASPOONS SALT
½ TEASPOON FRESH THYME, CHOPPED
1 CLOVE GARLIC, MINCED
5 WHOLE BLACK PEPPERCORNS
½ CUP HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE
½ CUP SLIVERED ALMONDS
½ CUP BLACK SESAME SEEDS
Cut pumpkin into ½-inch cubes.
Heat stock in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add pumpkin, onion, salt, thyme, garlic and peppercorns.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
Let soup cool until safe to handle, then puree 1 cup at a time in a food processor or blender.
Pour back into the pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper.
Pour into soup bowls and garnish with slivered almonds and black sesame seeds.