Pumpkin is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, but one of our favorites is pumpkin soup. This creamy and comforting recipe is perfect for fall and winter, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we’ll show you how to prepare pumpkin for soup in a fun and easy way.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized pumpkin (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and stringy bits. Cut the pumpkin into small pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle the pumpkin pieces with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the pumpkin in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s soft and caramelized.
- While the pumpkin is roasting, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the roasted pumpkin to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches.
- Add the heavy cream and spices to the soup and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream and some chopped herbs.
Nutritional Information
This pumpkin soup recipe makes about 8 servings. Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this recipe is about 1 hour, including preparation and roasting time.
Equipment
To make this pumpkin soup recipe, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment:
- A baking sheet
- A large pot
- An immersion blender or regular blender
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some crusty bread or a salad for a more complete meal.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this pumpkin soup recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Add some curry powder or cumin for a spicy twist.
- Garnish with some roasted pumpkin seeds or croutons for crunch.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients for this pumpkin soup recipe, you can make some substitutions. Here are a few ideas:
- Use butternut squash instead of pumpkin.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Use coconut oil instead of olive oil.
- Use ground cloves instead of nutmeg.
Storage
This pumpkin soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the soup completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Tips
- Roasting the pumpkin before adding it to the soup gives it a richer, sweeter flavor.
- Use an immersion blender for a smoother and creamier soup.
- Adjust the spices to your liking.
Notes
This pumpkin soup recipe is perfect for fall and winter, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftover pumpkin from Halloween or Thanksgiving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to buy pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months.
This pumpkin soup recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the flavors of fall and winter. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, this soup is easy to make and customize to your liking. So why not give it a try and see how delicious pumpkin soup can be?