Roast Pumpkin, Saffron & Orange Soup

This recipe is adapted from my favourite chef, Ottolenghi`s SIMPLE cookbook. You will love the medley of flavours.

On cooler days, there is nothing better than dipping crusty bread into a big bowl of creamy soup. This is my take on the classic pumpkin soup which is augmented with the flavours of orange and saffron. It`s amazing how one or two ingredients can elevate a boring soup with a simple vegetable to another level. The coconut milk blends in very well with the pumpkin.

However, you could add some fresh cream instead.

Check out my list of recommendations for beautiful serve ware!

What you need:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onions, cut in wedges

500 gm pumpkin, cut in wedges

1 tbsp chilly/Sriracha sauce

5-6 saffron threads

Zest of 1 orange

Water 500 ml (or more)

¼ cup coconut milk (or some cream)

Salt (buy my favourite Himalayan pink salt)

Freshly cracked pepper

¼ cup pumpkin seeds, toasted

Chili flakes

1 fresh rosemary sprig, optional

2 tsp honey/date syrup

Fresh coriander/parsley

Putting it all together:

​1.Preheat the oven to 220C fan.

2.Line a baking tray with butter paper. In a bowl, combine the pumpkin, onion, olive oil salt and a good grind of pepper and toss well. Bake on the tray for 25 mins till the veggies are soft and caramelized.

3.Boil 500 ml water with Sriracha sauce, saffron, orange zest, rosemary, ½ tsp salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and then add the pumpkin mix along with any oils from the pan. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5-10 mins.

4.Remove from heat and cool for a bit then blend.

5.Transfer back to the same pot and stir in the coconut milk and adjust the seasoning.

6.Combine the pumpkin seeds with the honey/date syrup and chili flakes.

7.Pour soup into bowls, top with pumpkin seeds and some coriander or parsley.

If you liked this recipe, try my Vietnamese Mushroom Pho!