Soupe de potiron (pumpkin soup)

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05
 
       Title: Soupe de Potiron (Pumpkin Soup)
  Categories: Soups
       Yield: 6 Servings
 
   3 1/2 lb Pumpkin
       3    White onions
       1    Garlic clove
       2    Fresh sage leaves
            -OR- a pinch of dried sage
       2 tb Olive oil
      10 c  Boiling water
            Salt
            Black pepper
     1/3 c  Long-grain rice
            -- rinsed and drained
            Fresh Parmesan shavings
            -- (if desired)
 
   Choose small, sweet pumpkins for this soup.  Peel pumpkin, and cut the
   flesh into small cubes.  Peel onions and chop coarsley.  Place
   pumpkin and onion in a soup pot with the garlic, sage, oil, and
   water.  Season to taste with salt and pepper, then let simmer on low
   heat for 45 minutes.
 
   Transfer soup to blender or food processor (working in batches if
   necessary) and puree.  Return soup to pot and bring to a boil.  Add
   rice at this point; cook until rice is tender.  Adjust seasoning and
   serve, garnished with a few Parmesan shavings if desired.
 
   Karen's note:  I would try using Italian arborio rice in this soup,
   to make the soup thicker and creamier.
 
   Adapted by Karen Mintzias from a recipe in:
   "The Classic Mediterranean Cookbook" by Sarah Woodward
 
 -----