Chop pumpkin: Halve the pumpkin or squash and peel it (Hokkaido pumpkin doesn’t need peeling, but anything else does). Slice it thickly and cut the slices into even cubes.1.7 lbs pumpkin
Chop vegetables: Peel the carrots and cut them into slightly smaller cubes than the pumpkin cubes. Peel and chop the onion, garlic, and ginger, and keep them separated.1.3 lbs carrots + 1 thumb-size piece of ginger + 2 garlic cloves + 1 onion
Saute: Melt the butter in a large pot. Cook the onion on medium heat for about 3 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, a few gratings of nutmeg, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and stir for 30 seconds.2 tablespoons butter + onion + garlic + ginger + 1 teaspoon coriander + 1 teaspoon cumin + ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg + ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes +fine sea salt and black pepper
Add pumpkin and carrot cubes and stir for 2-3 minutes.
Simmer: Add stock, cover, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until soft.4 ½ cups vegetable broth
Blend the soup with an immersion blender (Notes 3,4).
Add coconut milk, soy sauce, and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir well and reheat the soup.1 can coconut milk + 2 tablespoons soy sauce + 1-2 tablespoon lemon juice
Adjust the taste with more lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Roast the seeds (if not already roasted) in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Shake the pan frequently, and don’t let them unattended; they will burn quickly. Transfer them to a plate until ready to serve.2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds/ pepitas
Sprinkle the soup with the roasted seeds and chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. You can swirl a little coconut milk into each bowl if you like.fresh parsley or cilantro
Notes
Pumpkin: I always use Hokkaido pumpkin (red Kuri squash) or butternut squash; they have the best flavor. If you choose something else, ensure it’s a flavorful sort, for instance, sugar pumpkin.
Stock: You can also use chicken stock.
For blending hot soups and liquids, it’s best to use an immersion blender. If using a blender, let the soup cool slightly. Otherwise, it might cause an explosion.
Blend the soup in batches. Place a folded kitchen towel on top of the blender and hold it in place with your hand. Increase the speed gradually. Transfer the soup to a pot and repeat with the next batch.