Red Kuri Pumpkin Soup

German cuisine is wonderfully hearty and though certain recipes vary depending on each region, there are real staples to the diet, such are beautiful fresh bread, potatoes, soups and stews. Each area has their own home twist on the classics, such as the Russian influence of flavours within East Germany (my current home), to the potato dumplings. Germany is home to the world’s largest pumpkin festival, The Ludwigsburg Festival, so it’s no wonder the simple pumpkin soup, or kurbissuppe is so popular.

For me, the best recipes come with a story. There’s something about knowing that a certain technique comes from someone special or a beloved Nona that really enriches the process. In my blog, KateDowntheRabbitHole.com I write about the adventures and recipes I’ve come across in my travels. My Best Simple Salad, is ridiculously easy to whip up, but always reminds me of summer in the South of France and the bustling markets in Italy. I find learning recipes from new places and the people that live there is almost as fun as the eating – and I’ve got to admit, one major reason for my love of soup here is the excuse to dig into gorgeous hunks of crusty bread. The Joy of Bread in Germany is a powerful one, and teaming it with deliciously warm soup when the world outside is grey and wet, is a real pleasure.

Pumpkin Soup is my autumn tradition. I first moved to Germany just as the country just became completely pumpkin mad, I was house hunting at the time and genuinely considered rolling a big one away and carving a home out of it. Luckily, pumpkins abound all through the colder months, which makes this recipe so easy to do. I love the Red Kuri pumpkin, because unlike other varieties, there’s no need to bother with skinning, it can just be quartered, scooped out, and you’re good to go &#45 and I’m certainly a fan of anything that cuts out fiddly work.

This is a richly flavoured, hearty and wholesome soup, which I love when the outside world turns a bit cold and grey. I would make it for my housemates and we’d all enjoy the kitchen warming up and the smell of roast vegetables in the house. For me, it’s the perfect comfort food and a real sign of seasons changing. It’s best enjoyed when snuggled up and taking cover from the cold.