West Indian Pumpkin Soup

== Description ==
Has lots of spices and a little bit of heat from the Scotch bonnet. Very Caribbean. Served either hot or cold, easily prepares in advance for when you need it. 
== Ingredients ==
* 2 lbs cooking pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
* 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons oil
* 1 large Spanish onion, chopped
* 1 Scotch bonnet peppers or habanero peppers, seeded and chopped
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 2 tablespoons snipped fresh thyme
* 2 teaspoons orange zest
* 1 tablespoon curry powder
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 cinnamon stick
* 2 bay leaves
* 6 cups chicken stock
* ¼ cup heavy cream
* ¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk
* ½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas; optional; for garnish)
== Directions ==
# In a mixing bowl, toss squash and sweet potatoes with melted butter, brown sugar, salt and black pepper.
# Spread mixture onto a greased roasting pan.
# Bake at 350°F for 1 - 1½ hours, or until tender.
# Saute onion in oil in a large pot until tender, about 5 minutes.
# Add the Scotch bonnet, garlic, and ginger and cook just until fragrant.
# Add the thyme, orange peel, curry powder, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves, mixing everything thoroughly.
# When it becomes sticky, add the roasted vegetables and stir to mix, then the chicken stock, stirring to keep blending everything.
# Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
# Remove soup from heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
# Purée approximately ⅓ of the soup in a blender until it is smooth then add back to soup and stir well.
# Add heavy cream and coconut milk and blend.
# Reheat if necessary.
# May also be chilled before serving up to 1 day.
# Serve cold or hot, garnished with roasted pumpkin seeds (if desired).
Category:Caribbean Soups
Category:Caribbean Vegetarian
Category:Butternut squash Soup Recipes
Category:Chile pepper Recipes
Category:Pumpkin Soup Recipes
Category:Pumpkin seed Recipes
Category:Sweet potato Recipes