Cayman Pumpkin Soup

Recipe:

In a large pot, drain the soaked meats and rinse again to remove salt.

Combine all meats with the stock and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium and cook, covered, until meat is tender, about 1-1/2 hours.

Skim off any excess fat from the surface and add the pumpkin, stirring well.

Add another cup or two of stock if you need to. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and cook until pumpkin softens and dissolves into stock when you stir, about 45 minutes to an hour.

Make the spinners while soup cooks. Pinch off about a spoonful of dough for each dumpling and roll between hands until it looks like a small sausage—not too thick! Set aside.

You can add more pumpkin now if you want a thicker soup or chunky pieces of pumpkin in it. Then add all remaining soup ingredients, except salt, (the meat may have added enough) and stir, being careful not to break the hot pepper (or the dog will eat your supper!)

Bring to a boil, then drop in the dumplings and stir. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until vegetables are turning soft and dumplings are cooked through. Adjust seasonings and salt to taste. (If the soup has gotten too thick, add a little more broth until desired consistency.) Now enjoy!

*Quick Ideas for Later*

(If you have any leftovers, store in refrigerator. The soup will thicken, and you may need to add a little more stock when reheating. If you’ve already picked out all dumplings (they seem to go first) you can make more by boiling in broth or canned coconut milk and add to the reheated soup—-don’t’ try to make fresh dumplings in the soup itself, as everything will turn to mush.)

RECIPE NOTES:

“This is a wonderful soup, a meal in a bowl. You can vary this recipe to suit your taste, of course, especially when adding yam and other provisions. Be sure to cover the salted meats in cold water and soak for 6-8 hours, or overnight to help freshen and remove excess salt. You can use chicken instead of other meats, or even vegetables only, if your diet requires. The secret is using enough fresh pumpkin to give this soup it’s rich flavor and texture.”