There are several things I love about this soup. There are very little ingredients and very little time consuming steps. It would work great as a bowl of soup or as a starter served in shot glasses topped with popcorn. I just love the simple flavor and how silky smooth it comes out. This will be a repeat in my book for sure!
If you are not familiar with leeks they look like this:
Be sure you wash them really good because dirt can sneak in between each of the leaves.
Pumpkin-Popcorn Soup
(Adapted from Geoffrey Zakarian)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium leeks (white and light green parts), thinly sliced and well rinsed
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 1/2 cups plain popped popcorn
1 quart chicken stock
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
Kosher salt
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the leeks and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, ginger and curry powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add 2 cups of the popcorn and toss to coat in the butter.
Add the stock, pumpkin and heavy cream.
Bring to a simmer. Cook until the leeks are very tender, the popcorn has dissolved away from the kernels and the kernels are softened, about 15 minutes.
Puree the soup with a hand blender or in batches in a countertop blender.
Stir in the lime juice and taste for seasoning, adding a little salt if necessary. Thin with up to 1/2 cup water, if desired. Serve in individual bowls with the remaining popcorn as a garnish.
