As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, nothing beats a warm bowl of pumpkin soup. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an elegant starter for a dinner party, this pumpkin soup will impress with its smooth texture and rich taste.
If using fresh pumpkin, halve and remove seeds from a small pumpkin or other squash (I LOVE using kabocha squash for this recipe).
Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast in a 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes, or until a fork pierces through the flesh easily.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Remove the flesh from the outer skin and cut into cubes. Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Add the Pumpkin and Spices
Stir in the pumpkin purée (or cooked pumpkin), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Simmer the Soup
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend for Creaminess
For a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful with hot liquids!
Add Cream and Season
Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken and develop more flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the pumpkin soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like roasted pumpkin seeds, crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
Notes
*Calories are approximate per cupTips for the Best Pumpkin Soup
Homemade Pumpkin Purée: As I mentioned above, homemade pumpkin puree gives the best flavor for this soup.
Spice it Up: For a more robust flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, ground ginger, or curry powder for a slight kick.
Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it great for meal prep. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.