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Creamy Pumpkin Soup

There’s something undeniably cozy about a warm bowl of pumpkin soup. Rich, velvety, and full of comforting autumn flavor, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings. Whether you’re curled up with a blanket or setting the table for guests, this simple recipe turns a humble pumpkin into something magical.
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 230kcal
Cost $6–$8

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 cups fresh pumpkin peeled and cubed or 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream or milk of choice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: roasted pumpkin seeds swirl of cream, croutons, fresh thym

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and slightly golden, about 4–5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the spices toast with the onions and garlic for about 30 seconds to bring out their full aroma.
  • Add your cubed fresh pumpkin (or canned purée if using) into the pot and stir to coat it with the spices. If using fresh pumpkin, cook for an additional 5 minutes to begin softening it.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
  • Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches. Be cautious with hot liquids.
  • Return the soup to low heat and stir in the coconut milk (or cream of your choice). Let it gently heat through for 2–3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like roasted seeds, a swirl of cream, or chopped herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

  1. Use Fresh Pumpkin for Extra Flavor
    While canned pumpkin is convenient, using fresh sugar or pie pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and depth to your soup.
  2. Don’t Skip the Spices
    Cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring warmth and complexity. Toasting them briefly enhances their flavor.
  3. Make It Vegan or Dairy-Free
    Use coconut milk or any plant-based cream. It not only adds creaminess but also a hint of tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
  4. Blend Thoroughly for Silky Texture
    Use an immersion blender for easy blending. If using a countertop blender, do it in small batches and vent the lid slightly to avoid pressure buildup.