Original 100% Ceylon Tea achieves a specified standard of quality set by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, and is of course packed in Sri Lanka. Infused into this rich soup, it helps it hold its creamy texture with just a touch of roasted pumpkinseed oil.
Active: 30 Min. Total Time: 1 Hr 10 Min. Serves 8.
Pairings
1001 Nights, by Original Ceylon Tea Company
Ceylon Sonata Tea, by Adagio
Ceylon Earl Grey, by Teavana
Ingredients
- One 3-pound sweet pumpkin or kabocha squash—quartered, seeded, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 6 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon tea
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2 scallions, green part only, thinly sliced crosswise
- Roasted pumpkinseed oil, for drizzling
Method
- In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, cover the pumpkin with the stock and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until the pumpkin is tender, about 35 minutes.
- In a cup, steep the tea in the boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain the tea.
- Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender and return it to the casserole. Add the tea and bring to a simmer. Season the soup with salt and pepper.
- In a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the scallion greens and cook over high heat until softened, about 30 seconds. Season with salt.
- Ladle the soup into small bowls and drizzle lightly with pumpkinseed oil. Garnish with the scallion greens and serve.
- MAKE AHEAD! The soup can be refrigerated overnight. Reheat gently.
Did You Know: Ceylon tea can lend a boost to your bedroom! An article in the New York Daily News reported last May that Sri Lanka is promoting its Ceylon tea as a natural aphrodisiac. http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/eats/ceylon-tea-bedroom-article-1.1342686
