[Dinner Party SNEAK PEEK] Thai Pumpkin Soup

This is a sneak preview for a SUPER easy recipe I haven't even made yet... but I know I am going to love it, so I thought I would post it ahead of time.

Not an actual photo, but it looks kind of like that :-) 

Our friends Mary and Barry (whom we actually know through Ben's parents... they are in their 40's, but we don't mind a bit!!) are coming over for dinner this weekend and I am going to be creating a magnificent [vegan!] Thai feast for them. The menu will consist of....

• Thai Pumpkin Soup
• Thai-Style Cabbage Slaw
• Thai Curried Sweet Potatoes (my fourth time cooking this incredibly flavorful dish!)
• Thai Tapioca Pudding with Mango

I am so excited to make this full of a menu. I've been gathering supplies carefully all week long so I can get to work on Saturday. Please note, this meal is NOT low-calorie, but it is high in nutrients and should not be consumed with any regret :-)

Thai Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

1 tbs peanut oil

4 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated

1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger

2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (a favorite ingredient in our home)

3 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable broth 

1 (15-oz) can pumpkin puree

1 (11.3-oz) can mango nectar

1/2 tsp grated fresh orange peel

salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup light coconut milk

2 tbs smooth peanut butter

1 tbs plain rice vinegar

Directions

In a medium stockpot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the white parts of the scallions, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the broth, pumpkin, mango nectar, orange peel, salt, and black pepper; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the coconut milk, peanut butter, rice vinegar, and green parts of the scallions, stirring well to throughly incorporate. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Serve warm. 

Per Serving:

237 Calories

14g Protein (!)

10g Total Fat (3g saturated)

0mg Cholesterol

28g Carbohydrates

7g Fiber

512mg Sodium 

I counted the calories estimated to be in all four dishes I am making this Saturday and the count totaled almost 1200! So needless to say, I will be most definitely be turning on my Gymbox this Saturday and sweating up a storm... and going easy on the meals so I can splurge with less "guilt" that night!!