Pumpkin Soup

A St. Clair Family Thanksgiving favorite.

4 tbsp butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium leek, white part only, chopped
1 pound canned pumpkin puree
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground white pepper
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 bay leaf
1 cup half and half

In a medium soup pot, melt butter or margarine. Saute onion and leet, stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in pumpkin, chicken broth, salt, spices, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf. Puree the mixture in batches in a blender for a smoother texture, or in food processor fitted with metal blade.

At this point, you may refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze.

Return to soup pot. Add half-and-half and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adjust seasonings.