Pumpkin soup with Parmesan

Method

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium-low heat. Add the onion and pumpkin and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and bay leaves and cook, stirring, for a further 5 minutes.

2. Add the wine, bubble for a few minutes, then add the stock and Parmesan rind. Increase the heat, bring the soup to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes or until the pumpkin is really soft. Set aside to cool slightly, then remove and discard the bay leaves and rind.

3. Purée the soup using a stick blender, or in batches in a blender, until really smooth. Return the pan to a medium-low heat (or transfer to a clean pan), and loosen the soup with a little water if it’s a little thick. Stir in the cream, if using, and season. Gently reheat until hot.

4. Ladle the soup into 6 warmed, shallow soup bowls. Top each with a few thin slivers of Parmesan and drizzle with truffle oil, to serve.

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