Thai Pumpkin Soup

Description
This one came in a Dutch -language "health magazine" called Zin IN MEER (really just a trumped-up advertising folder) that I received in the mail last week and it was so unusual that I had to try it out immediately. My family loved it. The name of the magazine translates loosely into "Liking/Desire for More", by the way, and I know I'm already craving more of this flavorful, and very attractive fall soup.



Ingredients

 * 500 ml coconut milk
 * 500 ml chicken stock or vegetable stock (or 1 bouillon cube dissolved in 500 ml water)
 * 400 g fresh pumpkin, in cubes (peeled, cleaned, and without seeds)
 * 1 hot pepper, finely chopped,with or without seeds according to your heat tolerance (red jalapeno is nice for the color)
 * 2 shallots, finely chopped
 * 2 cloves garlic, minced
 * 1 lime, zest of
 * 3 lemongrass, stems tender white part only,finely chopped
 * 1 lime, juice of
 * salt and pepper, to taste
 * chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Add the coconut milk and the stock to a large cooking pan, and bring to the boil.
 * 2) Add the pumpkin, hot pepper, shallots, garlic and lime zest.
 * 3) When the mixture returns to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, uncovered, or until the pumpkin is cooked and softened.
 * 4) At this point you can refrigerate and finish the dish later if desired.
 * 5) Puree the mixture with a hand blender or in a food processor.
 * 6) Add the lemongrass, and bring the mixture again up to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
 * 7) Take the pan off the heat, add the lime juice and add salt and pepper, if needed.
 * 8) Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro, if desired.