Creamy Pumpkin Soup (55 Minutes)

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Pumpkin soup is the embodiment of comfort in a bowl with its warm, inviting flavors. This velvety, smooth soup brings forth the rich and natural sweetness of pumpkin, perfectly complemented by the contrasting crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds. The simple addition of parsley and black pepper provides a burst of freshness and a touch of heat. It’s a dish you’ll cherish again and again!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 medium-sized pumpkin (about 34 lbs), peeled, deseeded, and cubed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pumpkin (10 minutes): Start by peeling and deseeding the pumpkin. Cut the flesh into uniform-sized cubes. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Onions & Garlic (5 minutes): In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute.
  3. Add Pumpkin and Broth (3 minutes): Add the cubed pumpkin to the pot, followed by the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer (20-25 minutes): Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer until the pumpkin is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
  5. Blend & Season (10 minutes): Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a countertop blender), puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Stir in the heavy cream and ground nutmeg. Season with salt to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Serve & Garnish (2 minutes): Pour the soup into bowls, garnishing with freshly ground black pepper, chopped parsley, and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Notes

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, but the garnishes elevate its visual and textural appeal. Toasting the pumpkin seeds brings out their nutty flavor, and it’s worth the extra effort. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper can also be added during the seasoning process. Enjoy this bowl of comfort on a cool day with crusty bread on the side.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Pair this with...

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

Fresh Spinach Salad

Start by washing and drying fresh spinach leaves, which will serve as the vibrant base of your salad. Hull and slice some ripe strawberries, their juicy sweetness a perfect contrast to the spinach. Crumble in some creamy feta cheese, which adds a delightful salty tang. For that crunch, toss in a handful of your favorite nuts—be it toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. When it comes to dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette works wonders. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Roasted Red and Yellow Beets

Begin by choosing fresh, firm beets, giving them a good scrub to remove any lingering dirt. Trim off the greens (save them for another dish!), and wrap each beet individually in foil. No need to peel them just yet. Place them on a baking tray and pop them into a preheated oven. As they roast, the beets transform, intensifying in flavor and becoming wonderfully tender. Once they're done, allow them to cool a bit, then use your hands or a paper towel to rub off the skin. It'll slide right off! Slice or dice, and marvel at the vibrant hue. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil, sprinkle some sea salt, and perhaps a dash of balsamic vinegar.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!