Ladybirds Pumpkin Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
• 1 whole small pumpkin or half of 1 large pumpkin - peeled , deseeded and cut into chunks
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 1 chicken stock cube
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• 1 vegetable stock - enough to cover ingredients in pot
• 1 small bunch chives - roughly torn up
• 1 small bunch parsley - roughly torn up
• 2 -3 sprigs of rosemary - roughly torn up
• 1 pinch cracked seasalt
• 1 pinch cracked black pepper
• 2 -3 tablespoons cream
• 1 parsley to garnish - optional
• 1 cream for garnish - optional

1. Peel and deseed the pumpkin then cut the flesh into medium sized chunks and peel the garlic but leave it whole .
2. In a large pot , on high heat , add the oil , followed by the pumpkin chunks , whole garlic cloves , cinnamon and the half the amount of the herbs and then give them a toss to coat all .
3. And proceed to cook for couple minutes to release the flavours and natural sugars .
4. Then add just enough vegetable stock to cover the ingredients in pot followed by the crumbled up chicken stock cube , salt and pepper , then stir to combine all .
5. Now bring to the boil then turn down to a simmer (medium / low) and simmer , uncovered , for about 35-45 minutes , or until the pumpkin and garlic are very tender , then stir through the remaining herbs and let simmer a further couple minutes , then remove from heat and let cool slightly before blending
6. Using a stick blender works best , gently blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy (or to desired consistency) , then add the cream , to taste , and blend to combine thoroughly or until light smooth and creamy or desired consistency .
7. Now pour into a clean heat proof jug till needed and serve into a serving bowl , with a swirl of cream and parsley to garnish (optional) .
8. Serve hot or cold .
9. Enjoy .
10. :-)

olive oil, pumpkin, garlic, chicken, cinnamon, vegetable stock enough, chives, parsley, rosemary, seasalt, cracked black pepper, cream, parsley, cream

Taken from cookpad.com/us/recipes/360478-ladybirds-pumpkin-soup (may not work)