Clothbound Cheddar Pumpkin Soup with a Crispy Onion, Ginger, and Chilies Garnish | culture: the word

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds pumpkin (peeled, seeded, and chopped into 4-inch cubes)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (divided)
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 yellow onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 pound clothbound cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more as needed)
• 1/2 yellow onion (sliced thin)
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger (peeled and julienned)
• 3 to 5 red Thai chilies (or something similar in heat and size) (chopped on a long diagonal)
• Canola oil to fry