Pumpkin and Red Lentil Soup

If you know me, you know I love pumpkin -- in fact, I'm snacking on some pumpkin seeds right now. Another thing I'm also a fan of is lentils. So, needless to say, this soup recipe I have for you today is right up my alley, and I really think if you give it a whirl, you'll enjoy it thoroughly. At 146 calories per serving and just minutes of prep time, what's not to like about this pumpkin and red lentil soup?

Total Time: 45 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 35 min.
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:
2 tsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups cubed pumpkin (or butternut squash)
1 cup dry red lentils
6 cups water
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cumin
Cayenne pepper (to taste; optional)
Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)

Preparation:
1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium high heat
2. Add onion. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until translucent.
3. Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute, or until tender.
4. Add pumpkin, lentils, and water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Gently boil, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until pumpkin in soft. Remove from heat.
5. Place soup in a blender or food processor in small batches. Cover with lid and kitchen towel. Blend until smooth.
6. Return soup to saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and cumin. Season with cayenne and pepper, if desired. Cook, stirring constantly, until soup is hot.