Pumpkin Soup
This week we had a wonderful eyLog parental reflection, after their child had been talking about the pumpkin soup book we were reading at Kindergarten. They asked her if she wanted to make some pumpkin soup and they made some last weekend with the squash that they grew in their vegetable patch. Their daughter loved helping to make it and really enjoyed eating it.
Below is our favourite nursery recipe for pumpkin soup to make with your child with a few helpful tips and suggestions. We hope that you have a lot of family fun making it.
To make the pumpkin soup
1-2 tablespoons of olive or sunflower oil
1-2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped.
1 small ripe pumpkin (suitable for your family).
1 or 2 courgettes, washed and chopped (your child can possibly do this under supervision using a round edged knife).
2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 vegetable stock cube
Together: examine the pumpkin and let your child feel how heavy it is. Discuss its colour, shape, skin texture, and what might be inside.
Adult: with a large knife carefully slice through the pumpkin about one quarter of the way down. Lift the top part off.
Together: Using strong spoons or ice cream scoops, scoop out the seeds (remember you can dry these and plant them next spring for a good crop is you have the space …they are very dramatic!
Subject to age of your child, and using a round edged knife your child may be able to help prepare the soup by chopping the courgettes.
We suggest that the other vegetables are washed and prepared in advance of the activity before the activity starts..
Making the soup
Heat the oil in a large heavy based saucepan.
Add the garlic, onion, and stir with a large wooden spoon, cook gently for a few minutes until softened.
Add the pumpkin, potatoes, and courgettes.
Add enough boiling water (or stock) so that the vegetables are just covered.
Add the stock cube or alternatively season lightly.
Simmer gently on a low heat for approximately 30-40 minutes.
Cool slightly and blend or liquidise to make it smooth, Taste and season with a little sea salt and pepper if necessary and then serve with croutons and some freshly made bread.
