JAMAICAN PUMPKIN SOUP

Traditionally in Jamaica, we serve Rice N Peas with chicken or another meat of choice for Sunday dinner, but today my family and I decided that we didn?t want to have that for dinner.

We decided on soup, which is traditionally Saturday Dinner. I don?t believe I have to do all things based on tradition, so we decided on pumpkin soup which is our favorite.

Pumpkin soup can be made with any meat or vegetable (recommended for vegetarians), its just as good.

2 lb Beef shanks

1/2 lb Pigs tail

2 lb Pumpkin, peeled, cubed

1/2 lb Yam, peeled, cubed

1 Thyme sprig, finely chopped and chopped scallions

1 Whole Scotch Bonnet pepper

2 Garlic cloves, minced

Grated ginger root to taste

Salt & pepper to taste

2 Cups coconut cream

Place beef shanks, pigs tail and 4 quarts water into a large pot. Boil until almost tender for about 1 hour.

Add pumpkin and yam, and continue to boil until almost soft. Then season with thyme, scallions, garlic, ginger root, salt and pepper to taste.

Finally add coconut cream and simmer until cooked.