Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

Yesterday I was standing in the doorway talking on the phone and watched  a squirrel begin to attack my autumnal display. He started to consume my largest and most grand pumpkin with the determination of a piranha.

Photo By: S. Duquet

I encouraged him to skedaddle with an aggressive tone and colorful language.  When that didn’t work, I persuaded the dogs to bark at him. When that didn’t work I joined him outside to document his insatiable desire for pumpkin. He was enjoying my pumpkin so much that it seemed like a crime against nature to make him stop. The truth is, I really love pumpkin too.

Pumpkin has been type cast in the lifelong  role of  pie filling, but it is a rock star addition to your diet.  Pumpkin is abundant in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E , Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Folate, Iron,  Magnesium and Riboflavin. It is just as delicious made sweet  as it is  savory and it lends a creaminess to any dish you add it to.

Consider putting canned pumpkin in your next:

Oatmeal, smoothie, muffins, risotto, pancakes (dark chocolate chip and pumpkin pancakes!!Yum) Basmati  rice or  chili.

Here is an easy recipe for a soul satisfying soup with pumpkin. The recipe is really a blank slate for additional spices. Throw in some curry, cumin or cinnamon, whatever you  enjoy.

Pumpkin White Bean Bisque

Inspired by a recipe from Weight Watchers.com

By: S. Duquet

Ingredients

15 oz canned pumpkin

3 1/2 C chick’n or veg broth

15 1/2 oz can of white beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 Tsp ground Oregano

1/8 Tsp Sea Salt

1/4 Tsp black pepper

1/8 Tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

1/2 C Soy creamer

Nutritional Yeast flakes to sprinkle on top of each serving

Make It Happen

~Put all except for soy creamer of the ingredients into a saucepan and simmer for 25 minutes

~Blend soup in blender or food processor (in small batches so you don’t get burned) until smooth and creamy.

~Return to pan, add soy creamer and reheat

~Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with a dash of Nutritional Yeast for a cheesy finish.

~Enjoy in the interior of your home so you don’t incite your neighborhood squirrels.

Photo By: S. Duquet

I think you will love the flavor and simplicity of this soup. The color is enticing and the smell makes me want to curl up with a Chihuahua and a good book.

Have a delicious day.

*Pumpkin nutritional facts from SelfNutritionData.com

Tags: compassionate eating, cooking with herbs, dairy free, dairy free cheese, going veg, pumpkin soup, Pumpkin white bean bisque, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan challenge, vegan entree, vegan experience, vegan pumpkin soup, vegan recipe, vegetarian recipe