There’s a warm spiciness to this bright and beautiful soup - made all the more delicious with P.D.O. Spanish Persimon®.

Preparation time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Serves 6

 You will need:

2 P.D.O. Spanish Persimons®

20g butter

1 large onion, finely chopped

1tbsp grated fresh root ginger

1/2tsp chilli powder

1 large garlic clove, crushed

1tsp ground turmeric

1tsp cumin seeds or ground cumin             

500g prepared pumpkin or butternut squash (i.e. peeled, deseeded and chopped)

2 vegetable stock cubes, dissolved in 1 litre hot water

150g low fat soft cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To garnish:

4tbsp natural yogurt

Toasted mixed seeds

Edible flowers, sprigs of mint or coriander

How to:

1. Cut the leafy tops from the Spanish Persimon® and cut a few thin slices for garnish. Set these aside. Chop the rest of the flesh into chunks.

2.Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the onion and fry it gently for about 3 minutes, then add the ginger, chilli, garlic, turmeric, cumin and persimons. Fry gently for 1-2 minutes. 

3. Tip in the pumpkin or butternut squash and add the vegetable stock. Heat until simmering, then turn the heat to low and cook gently for about 20-25 minutes, partially covered, until the vegetables are soft and tender.

4. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and add most of the soft cheese, reserving about 40g for the garnish. Blend the soup until completely smooth. Return it to the saucepan and reheat until piping hot. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

5. Ladle the soup into warmed bowls, then mix the reserved cheese with the yogurt and spoon on top. Serve, garnished with toasted mixed seeds, edible flowers or sprigs of mint or coriander. 

Cook’s tip: To store the soup, cool it quickly, then refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To make the soup suitable for vegans and those with a dairy intolerance, use olive oil instead of butter and omit the soft cheese, and choose a non-dairy yogurt.

Credits: Spanish Persimon- http://spanishpersimon.co.uk/

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