Enjoy the perfect blend of spiciness and sweetness in this chilled curried pumpkin soup chicken recipe. This dish is not only refreshing but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for a cool autumn evening or any time you want something comforting yet light.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large pumpkin (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cups heavy cream (optional for a richer texture)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
#### Equipment Needed:
- Large soup pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing spoons and ladles
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### Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of each piece of chicken with salt and pepper.
2. **Cook the Chicken:**
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot.
- Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Remove the chicken from the pot, let it rest for a minute, then slice into thin strips.
3. **Prepare the Pumpkin:**
- Peel and cube the pumpkin.
- Heat another tablespoon of oil in the soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Stir well to combine.
4. **Simmer with Broth:**
- Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until fragrant.
5. **Add Pumpkin and Chicken:**
- Add the cubed pumpkin to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for another 20-30 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
6. **Blend the Soup (Optional):**
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth.
- Alternatively, you can transfer the contents of the pot to a regular blender and blend it to your desired consistency before returning to the pot.
7. **Add Cream:**
- If using heavy cream, stir it into the soup just before serving for added richness (optional).
8. **Chill the Soup:**
- Allow the soup to cool down at room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the soup overnight or for a few hours until it is cold and well chilled.
9. **Serve:**
- Ladle the chilled curried pumpkin chicken soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
#### Tips for Success:
- Ensure your curry powder has a good balance of flavors to enhance the overall taste of the dish. You can always adjust it based on personal preference.
- For a vegan version, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Don't skip chilling the soup; this step helps to create that perfect cold and smooth texture.
#### SEO Keywords:
- Chilled curried pumpkin soup
- Autumn recipe
- Chicken curry soup
- Pumpkin chicken soup
By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious and refreshing chilled curried pumpkin soup chicken. Perfect for any autumn gathering or as a light meal during the cooler months!