Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 2 stocks celery, coarsely chopped
- 7 cups vegetable stock, or water
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (not flavored pie filling)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground Mexican cinnamon, plus 1 teaspoon (canella)
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons chipotle puree
- 3/4 cup creme fraiche or sour cream
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- Garnish: 1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Spinach, Pear and Pancetta Salad:
- 4 ounces pancetta, medium dice
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 10 ounces fresh spinach leaves
- 2 Bosc pears, halved, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced
Directions
Heat the butter in a medium stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots and celery and cook until soft. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain the stock into a clean medium saucepan and whisk in the pumpkin puree until smooth. Bring to a simmer and add the 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, spices, honey and chipotle. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Add water, if the soup is too thick. Remove from the heat and whisk in 1/4 cup of the creme fraiche and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix together the remaining creme fraiche and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon until combined. Divide the soup among 4 bowls and garnish with the cinnamon creme fraiche and a handful of pumpkin seeds.
For the Spinach, Pear and Pancetta Salad: Saute pancetta in skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Pour all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings out. Add shallots and cook until soft. Add vinegar, mustard and thyme; whisk to blend. Add oil and whisk to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm. Combine spinach, pears, red onion and pancetta in a large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat.
* Professional Recipe
This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional and makes a large quantity. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe in the proportions indicated and therefore cannot make any representation as to the results.

















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By trs_huyck_12653460
Milwaukee, 89
on January 15, 2013
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Everyone I've served this to just loves it! I use chicken broth, but reduce the amount. Also reduce the chipotles. And I drizzle the finished product with either pumpkin seed or walnut oil, as well as the creme fraiche and pepitas.
By SandyB!
Lufkin, TX
on November 24, 2012
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Every year I try a different Pumpkin or Squash soup . I have not been successful at finding one we liked until I saw this soup on your Iron Chef battle with Michael Simon for Thanksgiving. I did this recipe and it was a huge success. Thank you for sharing it with us. Great flavors and taste.
By Gabe1313
Las Vegas, NV
on November 21, 2012
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With a tiny bit of tweaking, it's one of the best soups on the planet. Cut the broth way down (I start out with 4-5 cups and then add more back in after it's finished, because as the recipe is written the soup comes out too thin and has a diluted taste. I also add a bit more cinnamon. Other than those easily fixed things, way to go, Bobby! We've made this soup for holidays for the last several years, and it's a tradition that will continue.
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