THAI PUMPKIN SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a very large saucepan or stockpot.
• Add onion and celery and cook, stirring, over a medium heat until soft, but not brown (about 10 minutes).
• Add curry paste, stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
• Add tomato and cook, stirring, for another couple of minutes.
• Add pumpkin and mix well to combine.
• Add stock.
• Cover saucepan and bring soup to the boil.
• Reduce heat to low, uncover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until pumpkin is very tender.
• Remove saucepan from heat, and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
• Using a hand blender, food processor or blender, puree soup (in batches if necessary).
• Return soup to saucepan and taste.
• Add salt, a teaspoon at a time, tasting after each addition.
• (For my taste I found I needed to add about 1 dessertspoon salt, but you may want more or less.) Add coconut milk or cream, mix well and taste again.
• Add more salt if necessary.
• Reheat soup to serve.
• If you wish, garnish each bowl of soup with a swirl of coconut cream or thick cream and a sprig of coriander.