Easy Butternut Squash Soup

Pumpkin soup is a traditional folk snack. It belongs to the Zhejiang cuisine in China, known for its rich aroma, delicious taste, and elegant appearance. The main ingredient is pumpkin, complemented by onions and other seasonings, prepared in a suitable manner. This soup has various preparation methods and can also include other ingredients as main components, such as sweet potatoes, seaweed, and more.

Pumpkin is soft, sweet, and its bright yellow color is very appetizing, making it popular among many people. When made into soup, its flavor becomes richer, making it suitable for consumption either before or after meals. Making delicious pumpkin soup isn't difficult, but there are some related knowledge points to understand!

1.How to safely slice a pumpkin?

First, wash the pumpkin thoroughly. Place it on a cutting board. Use one hand to hold the back half of the pumpkin steady, and with the other hand, grasp the knife firmly and cut down forcefully to remove the top and bottom parts (stem and base) of the pumpkin. Then, make a horizontal cut through the middle of the pumpkin to divide it into two halves. Place one half of the pumpkin with the cut side down on the cutting board and make a vertical cut through it. Hold one hand firmly on the pumpkin to stabilize it while using a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Once peeled, scoop out all the pumpkin seeds and guts with a spoon, and then cut the remaining pumpkin flesh into small cubes with a knife.

2.How to store cut pumpkin?

There are several methods to store pumpkin, but the simplest way is to cut it open, remove the seeds, and then cut the pumpkin into appropriately sized chunks. Wrap these chunks in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the pumpkin's freshness and allows you to use it over the next few weeks or months. It's important to note that each time you use the pumpkin, use a clean spoon to scoop it out to avoid any contamination.

3.Icing sugar or white sugar for pumpkin soup?

In making pumpkin soup, you can choose to add rock sugar or white sugar based on personal taste preferences. Both sugars can enhance the sweetness of the soup, but rock sugar may impart a clearer and lighter sweetness during cooking, making it suitable for those who prefer a mild sweetness. White sugar, on the other hand, is more common and suitable for most cooking scenarios where a basic level of sweetness is desired.

4.What are some ways to make pumpkin soup?

①Home-style pumpkin soup: Cut the pumpkin into chunks and add an appropriate amount of water. Simmer over medium heat for half an hour. You can season it with rock sugar or granulated sugar.

②Pumpkin milk soup: Mash the steamed pumpkin after peeling it, add fresh milk, and stir over low heat. Squeeze in a bit of fresh cream to enhance the flavor.

③French-style pumpkin soup: Marinate pumpkin chunks with salt and pepper, then roast them in the oven. Cook them into a puree with water, and stir in fresh cream until well mixed.

④Pumpkin pork rib soup: Simmer pork ribs, pumpkin, and corn together, ideal for consumption during winter.

⑤Pumpkin and Tremella soup: Slowly simmer Tremella fungus and pumpkin together after soaking, nourishing and moistening the lungs.

⑥Pumpkin beef soup: Stew the beef until partially cooked, then add pumpkin chunks to simmer together, good for spleen and stomach health.

5.How long does pumpkin soup keep?

Pumpkin soup can be stored for up to 4 days in the refrigerator after allowing it to cool to room temperature and transferring it to a suitable storage container. Alternatively, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Pumpkin has a unique flavor that suits various dishes. Try making some new soups with pumpkin—you'll surely fall in love with this delicious food. Below, I'll introduce a nutritious and satisfying pumpkin soup recipe for you to try out!