VERY SIMPLE PUMPKIN SOUP

Very Simple Pumpkin Soup image

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 15-ounce cans pure pumpkin
4 cups water
1 cup half and half
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder*
4 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, sliced

Steps:

Bring first 4 ingredients to simmer in large saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking often. Whisk in syrup, 2 tablespoons butter, and five-spice powder. Simmer soup 10 minutes, whisking often. Season with salt and pepper. (Soup can be made 1 day ahead. Chill until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Bring to simmer before serving.) Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Divide soup among 6 bowls. Sprinkle soup with mushrooms, dividing equally; serve.
A blend of ground anise, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and ginger available in the spice section of most supermarkets.