Pumpkin sausage soup
2 c mashed pumpkin (or a can of pumpkin, NOT pie filling)
4 c chicken broth or stock
1/c c minced onion (increase if desired)
1 c finely chopped mushrooms (can be omitted)
½ c half and half or heavy cram
2-5 gloves garlic, minced
1 ½ t Italian seasoning
1 lb spicy breakfast sausage
Brown sausage, drain, then add onion, mushrooms, garlic, and herbs. When onion is translucent, stir in pumpkin. Stir in broth and mix well. Simer 20-30 mins. Stir in cream and simmer on low for another 10 minutes. Taste and add salt/pepper as needed. I serve with red pepper flakes on the side so people can add a kick of spice if they want, as well as extra cream to swirl on top. It is also good without the cream. Sometimes I add a can of diced tomatoes with juice to the mix as well.
One of my best mom friends gave me this recipe about 20 years ago, and it’s been a mainstay of our family since, as well as many many potlucks and soup bar game nights over the years!