A Taste of Aviandria–Super Simple Pumpkin Soup

I didn’t expect to have a real post for this week because I decided to enter a scary story contest and I spent most of my available writing time on that. It’s the same contest that really ignited my desire to be a writer, and I really, really want to win it. I know I probably won’t, but it would be so cool if I did.

Anyhow, between writing and revising, and trying to ignore my nerves, I actually did a blog post. I figured it had been about a year and a half since I posted an Aviandrian recipe, and I just happen to know a perfect one for this time of year, so that’s what you’re getting. Please keep in mind, I’m not a food blogger so it won’t be set up perfectly with perfect pictures and stuff. Also, when writing recipes from Aviandria, it is difficult to include exact measurements. Their measuring system isn’t exactly like ours, and more often than not, they don’t even use precise measurements. This is our best estimate. So, good luck, and enjoy your meal.

Simple Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkins and other squash are a very popular fall food in Aviandria, a little like here. However, unlike here, they don’t have the famous pumpkin spice flavors. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are not very common. They do get ginger in a few regions, but it isn’t easy to come by everywhere. Most often, pumpkins and squash are made into savory dishes with things like garlic and salt to enhance the flavor. On the rare occasion, a sweet pumpkin dish is desired, honey or regular sugar would be the most common sweeteners. Sometimes in large port cities like Accipitridaelynn or Diomedyden, there are spices that would make the flavor that we are used to, but they are very expensive.

This pumpkin recipe is one that Ashlynn learned from Dillyn’s mother.

Ingredients:

• One average sized pie pumpkin (the smaller ones. Not the kind you use for carving.)
• 2 cans chicken broth (If you want chicken, you could probably use a good vegetable stock.)
• Garlic salt (to taste)

Instructions:

Peel and cut the pumpkin into small chunks. (Around an inch square.)*

Put in a pan with the chicken broth. Boil until the pumpkin is very tender.

Mash the pumpkin and the broth up together with a potato masher, or for a creamier texture, use a blender. **

Mix in garlic salt.

Makes about 4 serving of around a cup.

*This can be time-consuming and difficult, but through trial and error, I discovered this method that isn’t too bad. Before you try to peel the pumpkin, cut it into thin slices, then turn them on their side and chop the skin off, like in these pictures.

** Obviously, they wouldn’t have a blender in Aviandria, but I like mine blended like this.

What’s your favorite fall pumpkin treat?