Pumpkin Soup

This is my most favorite soup of all time! I LOVE it. I would eat it a few times a week if it were up to me. I actually made this recipe up on my mission in Belgium. They eat a lot of pumpkin over there but not really in "sweets". You can even buy Campbell's Cream of Pumpkin soup over there. In fact, that is what inspired me to create this recipe. We bought a can one day and there was a recipe on the back of the label that included zucchini, ham, and spagetti noodles and I just went from there. When I returned home and found out I couldn't buy pumpkin soup I had to create my own recipe! I've contuned to adapt it a little since then. I finally have it just right! Try it with different noodles if you'd like. I think elbow macaroni might be my favorite pasta to use in this soup. It makes it a lot easier for the kids to eat. So yummy! I also tend to put more veggies and noodles than the recipe calls for. I like a good thick soup!


Pumpkin Soup

1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin (not sweetened pie filling)
1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth + 1 can milk or soy milk (or use 1 can evaporated milk)
1/2 c. diced onion
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large (or 2 small) zucchini, cut into small pieces
4-5 mushrooms, stems removed, chopped into small pieces
1-2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. allspice
salt and pepper to taste (I usually just use Lawry's Garlic Salt instead of salt)
1 cup finely chopped ham (optional)
spaghetti noodles (diameter of 1/2 dollar)-uncooked, break into quarters (or about 1 cup, uncooked, of your favorite pasta noodles-I've used penne, spirals, and elbow macaroni)

Boil quartered spaghetti (or other pasta) in salted water according to package directions. While spaghetti is cooking, in a separate large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, zucchini, and mushrooms. Add ham if using. Add canned pumpkin, chicken broth, and milk to vegetables. Add cooked noodles, salt, pepper, and allspice. If too thick, add more milk or chicken broth. Simmer till heated. Leftovers can be stretched further by adding milk when reheating. Tends to thicken as it cools.