PUMPKIN MAPLE CHIPOTLE SOUP

#Pumpkin #Maple #Chipotle #Soup
Yesterday I baked a couple #sugar_pumpkins.  So far I've made some pumpkin soup and pumpkin chia pudding.  I'm also going to make some vegan pumpkin pie and vegan pumpkin muffins. 

INGREDIENTS:
3 lbs baked pumpkin chopped (I had two 1 1/2 lbs pumpkins)
1-3 T olive oil
1 1/2 bulbs garlic, roasted and chopped finely
3 large tomatoes, roasted (~2 c before roasting)

1 large onion, chopped small
1 T chili powder (I used ancho chili powder)
1 t coriander, ground
10 c fresh water
1 c red lentils, rinsed

1 apple, quartered and stem/core removed
juice of 1 large lime
1-3 T chipotle puree ( I LOVE spicy food so 
I use lots)
1 T  (or more) maple syrup
1-3 t sea salt
1/4 - 1/2 t fresh ground pepper

DIRECTIONS: 
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degree F.  
2.  Break the stem off your pumpkin(s).  Put your pumpkin on a cookie sheet on the middle rack in your oven.  Bake it for 30 minutes or more depending on the size of it.  A sharp knife should easily puncture the pumpkin if it is cooked.  Take it out and place it on a rack to cool.  
3.  Prepare the tomatoes and garlic for roasting.  Wash, core and cut the tomatoes in quarters.  Place the garlic on tinfoil, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and wrap.  Place the tomatoes in a preheated 400 degree F oven for about 30 minutes. 
4.  Fry the onion in a large soup pot on med-hi.  When the onion is soft and translucent add the coriander and chili powder.  Fry for a minute and then add the water and cleaned lentils.  Bring to a boil and then turn down to simmer. 
5.  Peel and remove the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin.  Chop up the pumpkin into bite sized pieces and add it to the pot of soup. 
6.  When the tomatoes and garlic are finished roasting, chop up the tomatoes and peel and chop the garlic.  Add them to the soup along with the apple.  
7.  Let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the lentils are cooked.    When everything is cooked add the remaining ingredients.  Ladle about half the soup (including 1/2 the apple) into your blender.  Making sure the lid is secure, puree until smooth and then add it back to the soup pot.  Taste and adjust lime, chipotle, S & P to taste.  

Serve with your favourite bread and salad!