Pumpkin Soup (Api Zapallo) Recipe

Place the pumpkin into a clay casserole with salt and just enough water to prevent burning (it is traditional to cook it in a clay pot). Cook until pumpkin is very tender and drain off any excess water (about 40 minutes). Mash well with a fork. Place the bacon into a cold pan, then place over moderate heat so it will render the bacon fat, and cook the bacon until crisp. Stir in the onions and fry for a minute. Add the contents of the pan to the casserole with the pumpkin and stir well with a wooden spoon. Add the chiles, cumin and cheese and mix over low heat until very hot.Serve in bowls garnished with chopped parsley.