Creamy Southwestern Pumpkin Soup
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups chicken broth
1 large baking potato, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups)
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Garnishes: sour cream, fresh cilantro sprig
Melt butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, jalapeno pepper, and garlic; saute 15 minutes. Add chicken broth, potato, and spices; cook, stirring often, 30 minutes or until potato is tender. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly (about 5 to 10 minutes).
Process potato mixture, pumpkin, and cilantro, in batches, in a food processor or blender until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. (or use a stick blender) Return to pot, stir in milk, and simmer 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in lime juice; garnish, if desired.
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