Description
This easy pumpkin soup is a creamy and comforting fall favorite perfect for cozy evenings. Made with pureed pumpkin, warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and enriched with coconut milk or cream, it delivers a rich, velvety texture and a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this soup is ideal for a satisfying meal or appetizer during the cooler months.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for a richer taste)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree (or fresh pumpkin if preferred)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for a creamier texture)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Garnishes
- Roasted pumpkin seeds
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- A swirl of cream or coconut cream
- Croutons
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices: Stir in the pumpkin puree, ground cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors and blend well with the pumpkin.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until creamy.
- Add Cream and Sweetener: Return the blended soup to the pot (if transferred) and stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream. Optionally, add the maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of cream or coconut cream, fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, and croutons for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute canned pumpkin puree with freshly cooked and blended pumpkin for a fresher taste.
- For a vegan version, use olive oil, vegetable broth, coconut milk, and maple syrup.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your preference.
- This soup can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop before serving.
- Garnishes like toasted pumpkin seeds and croutons add a nice crunch contrast to the creamy texture.