A good, wholesome bowl of soothing broth is welcome any time of year, really.

There’s just something about a simmered savory stock that warms both the heart and soul.

Especially this time of year.

Broth can be and is amazingly basic. Lots of veggies and some bones (maybe) simmered down over time to create some uber belly goodness.

With my mind constantly whirling and twirling, I love to create things and craft concoctions with just a little bit of extra pizzazz in the kitchen.

That’s simply how I roll.

Thus, with a stockpile of winter squash and pumpkin lurking in the cabinet, I decided to simmer up both a savory broth with just a bit of sweet ~ uniquely pumpkin.

Not only is this bowl of deliciousness satisfying on its own, but it can certainly be used as any other broth would be, making Spicy Thai Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Chorizo Chili, a Pumpkin Sage Quiche or even in place of water for a giant pot of sticky rice. Oh, yes… and even a little Personalized Pumpkin Puffin!

It is also worth mentioning that this fantastic little recipe will leave you with both leftover pumpkin seeds (roasted for Fall Mole) AND cooked pumpkin (Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone?), with which your imagination can go wild.

Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Broth

Makes: About 3 cups

1 large sugar pie pumpkin
1/2 yellow onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 cup fresh basil
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 tsp. Himalayan sea salt
2-3 tsp. Vietnamese cinnamon

Special Equipment: Pressure Cooker

Quarter, seed, and peel the pumpkin. (Feel free to reserve the seeds for roasting. Add 1/3 cup water to the bottom of a pressure cooker and place pumpkin pieces on the steaming rack inside. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, until the pumpkin is super soft. Remove the cooked pumpkin from the pressure cooker, collecting any precious drippings in the process.

Transfer all pumpkin juices to a large stock pot, with the onion, garlic, basil, salt, and cinnamon stick. Simmer for about 30 minutes. Strain the broth through cheesecloth. Swirl cinnamon for serving.

**For a super healthy kick, try swirling in an additional Tbs. of organic ghee. Your tummy will thank you.

And thank you, my Valerina!