Description
Pumpkin Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish perfect for chilly nights. This velvety soup blends the natural sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic onions, garlic, and warm spices to create a nourishing and soul-soothing meal that’s quick and simple to prepare. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, it offers versatility to suit various dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium fresh pumpkin (about 2–3 lbs), peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Warm Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Toasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
- Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for spicy version)
- Almond butter (for nutty twist)
- Curry powder (for curried pumpkin soup)
- Crispy bacon bits (for garnish, optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and chop the pumpkin into uniform cubes for even cooking. Finely chop onions and mince garlic to build the aromatic base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Pumpkin: Add the diced pumpkin to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender and can be mashed easily with a fork.
- Blend Until Smooth: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until silky and lump-free. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches and puree until smooth.
- Stir in Cream and Season: Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Season with salt, pepper, and optional warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. Heat gently without boiling to meld flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin for best flavor; canned pumpkin puree can be used as a substitute.
- Sautéing onions and garlic first builds a rich and flavorful base.
- Add broth gradually to control soup thickness to your preference.
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Garnish with toasted seeds, herbs, or a swirl of cream to add texture and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Pumpkin soup, creamy pumpkin soup, fall soup, autumn recipe, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, vegan pumpkin soup, gluten free soup
