Black Bean Pumpkin Soup

 

 

Submitted by Chris

5 stars

This is a great fall soup. Last time I made it, I used butternut squash in place of the pumpkin, and chopped pistachios instead of pumpkin seeds.  I think you could use any winter squash, but I do like the flavor of pumpkin.

 

three 15 1/2 ounce cans black beans (about 4 1/2 cups), rinsed and drained
1 cup drained canned tomatoes, chopped
1 1/4 cups chopped onion
1/2 cup minced shallot
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
4 cups beef broth
a 16-ounce can pumpkin pureé (about 1 1/2 cups)
3 to 4 tablespoons lime juice (optional)
Garnish: sour cream and coarsely chopped lightly toasted pumpkin seeds
Preparation:In a food processor or immersion blender, coarsely pureé beans and tomatoes. In a 6-quart heavy kettle cook onion, shallot, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in butter over moderate heat, stirring, until onion is softened and beginning to brown. Stir in bean pureé. Stir in broth and pumpkin until combined and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes, or until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Just before serving, add lime juice and simmer soup, stirring, until heated through. Season soup with salt and pepper.
Serve soup garnished with sour cream and toasted pumpkin seeds.