Description
Rich, creamy, and heartwarming, this pumpkin soup is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a wholesome meal, it combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with savory flavors and a velvety texture. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and again.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1.2 kg (2.4 lbs) pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 1 onion (white, brown, or yellow), sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
Finishes:
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup cream, half-and-half, or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Drizzle of cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Roasted pumpkin seeds or croutons
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Cut the pumpkin into slices about 3 cm (2.25 inches) thick.
- Remove the skin using a knife or peeler, then scrape out the seeds.
- Chop the pumpkin into chunks about 4 cm (1.5 inches) wide.
- Cook the Ingredients:
- Place the pumpkin chunks, sliced onion, garlic cloves, broth, and water into a large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender. Check with a butter knife for doneness.
- Blend the Soup:
- Remove the pot from heat and use a stick blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Tip: If using a countertop blender, blend in batches to avoid spills.
- Add the Cream:
- Stir the cream into the blended soup for added richness.
- Important: Do not boil the soup after adding cream, as it can split.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with a drizzle of cream, parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper or roasted pumpkin seeds for added texture.
- Serve with crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- Pumpkin Selection: Use sweet varieties like butternut squash or sugar pumpkin for the best flavor.
- Consistency: For a thicker soup, reduce the water amount. For a lighter soup, add more broth or water.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or curry powder for extra warmth.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Vegan Option: Substitute cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International