Pumpkin Minestrone

• 14 oz (400 g) pumpkin, peeled, de-seeded and cut into chunks
• salt
• 1¾

Boil the chunks of pumpkin in salted water for about 10–15 minutes, then drain and liquidise to a smooth pulp in a liquidiser or food processor. Return to the saucepan and stir in the milk. Bring to the boil, add the rice and the chicken stock, stir and simmer for about 15–20 minutes or until the rice is cooked. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, then stir in the cheese and serve imme