This is a delicious stew for the fall and winter seasons with hearty pumpkin spiced with cayenne pepper, paprika and nutmeg.
3 lb. peeled, seeded and diced sugar pumpkin 2 leeks, chopped 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 C. olive oil 6 C. chicken stock 4 1/2 C. milk 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 tsp. Hungarian sweet paprika 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
Halve the pumpkin and scrape out the seeds and pith. Cut into 1 inch pieces. In a large skillet, sauté the pumpkin, leeks, onion and garlic in olive oil. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Strain vegetables, place in food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer puree to pot or crock pot; add enough milk to reach smooth consistency. Add the cayenne pepper, paprika, ground pepper and nutmeg; simmer for 30 minutes and do not allow to boil.Yield: 5 servings