Yummy Soups

Lately, I have become obsessed with soups.

Maybe it's the cold weather,
but I just can't get enough.

These two recipes, along with the buttery cornbread, will keep you warm and cozy on these chilly nights.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

INGREDIENTS:

3 cans (43.5 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

1 can (16 ounces) pumpkin puree

1/2 cup chopped shallot or red onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 tablespoons olive or canola oil

4 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

3 tablespoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon allspice

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Baked pumpkin seeds, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Place oil, shallot or red onion, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, cinnamon and allspice into a large pot and cook on low-medium heat until the shallot or red onion and garlic begin to brown.
Using a food processor, puree the beans and tomatoes with half of the vegetable broth. Add the pureed beans, tomatoes, pumpkin and the rest of the broth to the pot.
Simmer the mixture uncovered until thick, about 40-45 minutes. Before serving, stir in the balsamic vinegar. Garnish with baked pumpkin seeds.

Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
3 medium potatoes, cubed
1 large butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:
Put the oil in a large pot, and cook the onion, celery, carrot, potatoes, and squash 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Pour in enough of the chicken stock to cover vegetables. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer 40 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
Season with sea salt and pepper.

Grandma's Corn Bread

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F .

Grease an 8 inch square pan.

Melt butter in large skillet. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended. Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan. Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.