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Pumpkin Soup Recipe - Warm, Creamy, and Comforting

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cinnamon
  • 4 cups pumpkin puree (homemade or two 15-ounce cans)
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1/2 to 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
  • 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for brightness)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), swirl of cream or yogurt, chopped chives, chili oil, croutons

Method
 

  1. Sauté the aromatics. Warm the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Bloom the spices. Add cumin, coriander, and nutmeg. Stir for 30–45 seconds. Blooming spices in fat wakes up their flavor and gives the soup depth.
  3. Add pumpkin and broth. Stir in the pumpkin puree, then pour in the broth. Mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer for flavor. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the soup thicken slightly.
  5. Blend until smooth. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree until silky. Or carefully transfer to a blender in batches. Vent the blender lid and cover with a towel to avoid steam build-up.
  6. Finish with cream and balance. Return the soup to low heat (if blended in a separate blender). Stir in cream or coconut milk. Add maple syrup or honey to round out the flavor, and vinegar or lemon juice to brighten. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Serve and garnish. Ladle into bowls and add a swirl of cream or yogurt, a sprinkle of pepitas, chopped chives, or a drizzle of chili oil for heat.