Golden Pumpkin Soup

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the pumpkin into 2-inch pieces, leaving the skin on. (You should have 6 cups.) Arrange in a shallow baking pan just large enough to fit pieces in a single layer; toss with the olive oil, cumin, marjoram and turmeric. Bake until tender, about 1 hour, stirring halfway through. Add ¼ cup of water if the pieces stick or burn.

2. Step 2

   Meanwhile, in a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the leek and sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add the cabbage, cook 5 minutes, then add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until cabbage is tender, about 15 minutes. Set aside.

3. Step 3

   When the pumpkin is done, transfer it to a large plate. Set the baking pan over medium heat; add the sherry and cook 1 minute, scraping up the browned bits, and stir into the cabbage mixture.

4. Step 4

   Peel the pumpkin. Purée it in a food processor with ½ cup of the cabbage mixture. Add the puréed pumpkin to the remaining cabbage mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the rice. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Ladle into 6 bowls; sprinkle with the chives and tarragon.