Anononymous 8-07-05

2 1/2 pounds kabocha* or butternut squash

2 garlic cloves

1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh gingerroot

7 cups water

1 cup drained canned whole tomatoes, chopped (about a 1-pound

can)

1/2 pound trimmed boneless ham steak, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

1/3 cup yellow cornmeal

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons cold unsalted butter, cut into bits

3 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons beaten egg (about 1/2 large egg)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Halve squash lengthwise with a sharp knife and discard seeds and strings. Peel squash and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. In a 4-quart

saucepan simmer squash, garlic, gingerroot, and water, partially

covered, until squash is very tender, about 20 minutes. In a blender

puree mixture in batches and return to pan. Stir in tomatoes, ham,

and salt and pepper to taste. Soup may be prepared up to this point

2 days ahead and chilled, covered. Into a bowl sift together

cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt and blend in butter until

mixture resembles meal. Add milk, egg, and chives and stir until

batter is just combined. Bring soup to a bare simmer. Drop batter by

rounded tablespoons onto soup and simmer, covered, until dumplings

are just cooked through, about 12 minutes. Makes about 8

cups, serving 4.