Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

The Coziest Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe for Chilly Fall Evenings

Whipping up a creamy pumpkin soup becomes a delightful autumn adventure for anyone seeking comfort in a bowl.

Crisp leaves and chilly breezes whisper promises of warm, satisfying meals.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a velvety blend that hugs your senses with rich, earthy flavors.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this surprisingly simple recipe.

Cozy kitchen moments await you with each smooth, golden spoonful.

Hearty and nutritious, this soup invites you to savor the warmth of fall’s most beloved vegetable.

You’ll want to ladle this magic into your favorite mug and enjoy every comforting bite.

FAQs

  • Is pumpkin soup healthy?

Yes, pumpkin soup is nutritious. It’s packed with vitamins A and C, low in calories, and provides good fiber. The soup offers immune-boosting properties and supports eye health.

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of puree?

Absolutely! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin for a more authentic flavor. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and smooth before adding to the soup.

  • What type of broth works best?

Vegetable or chicken broth are excellent choices. Vegetable broth keeps the soup vegetarian, while chicken broth adds deeper flavor. Choose based on your dietary preferences.

  • How can I make the soup creamier?

Add more coconut milk or heavy cream. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Adjust to your desired consistency and richness.

Why Pumpkin Soup Warms the Soul

  • Craft Comfort Quickly: This pumpkin soup delivers warm, cozy flavors with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for anyone craving a delicious meal without complicated steps.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like different cream options, spice adjustments, and creative garnishes to match individual taste preferences.
  • Nourish Effortlessly: Packed with nutritious pumpkin and simple ingredients, this soup provides a wholesome meal that supports wellness while satisfying hunger.
  • Versatile Seasonal Delight: Ideal for autumn gatherings, weeknight dinners, or a soothing lunch, this soup transitions smoothly between casual and slightly elegant dining experiences.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, rich vegetable base that provides the primary flavor and creamy texture of the soup.
  • Vegetable or Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps create the soup's consistency and enhances its overall taste.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that add depth and savory notes to the soup's foundation.
Finishing and Seasoning:
  • Coconut Milk or Cream: Adds richness and a silky smoothness to the soup.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's natural flavors.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the pumpkin and add a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
Optional Garnish:
  • Additional Cream, Pumpkin Seeds: Provides a decorative and textural finish to the soup.

How to Make Pumpkin Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Onions and Garlic

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet, savory essence.

Step 2: Combine Pumpkin and Liquid Base

Pour in velvety pumpkin puree and rich vegetable or chicken broth.

Gently stir to blend the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to start melding together.

Step 3: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Reduce the heat to low, creating a gentle simmer. Let the soup bubble softly for 15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to mingle and intensify their delicious profile.

Step 4: Enrich with Creamy Goodness

Introduce silky coconut milk or heavy cream into the pot. Sprinkle in a harmonious blend of seasonings:
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Freshly grated nutmeg

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices and create a smooth, luxurious texture.

Step 5: Puree to Silky Perfection

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky-smooth consistency right in the pot. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender, working in batches to ensure a creamy, lump-free result.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the warm, fragrant soup into beautiful bowls. Top with an elegant swirl of cream or a sprinkle of crunchy pumpkin seeds for an extra layer of texture and visual appeal.

Tips for Balanced Pumpkin Soup

  • Select sugar pumpkins for the best, sweetest flavor and creamiest texture in your soup.
  • Adjust consistency by adding more broth if the soup feels too thick, ensuring a perfect smooth blend.
  • Enhance nutrition by roasting pumpkin seeds for a crunchy topping, which adds extra protein and healthy fats.
  • Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier for busy days.
  • Explore dairy-free options by using coconut milk or almond cream for a vegan-friendly version that doesn't compromise on richness.

Flavor Ideas to Try with Pumpkin Soup

  • Vegan Harvest Soup: Replace coconut milk with almond milk, use vegetable broth, and top with roasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
  • Spicy Southwestern Soup: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Autumn Butternut Blend: Substitute pumpkin puree with roasted butternut squash for a slightly sweeter, richer soup profile.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Stir in cooked quinoa or shredded chicken to increase the protein content and make the soup more filling.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Soup

  • Cozy Autumn Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into deep ceramic bowls, creating a warm and inviting presentation that captures the essence of fall comfort.
  • Harvest Seed Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds and a light drizzle of cream on top, adding texture and a gourmet touch to the creamy soup.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or whole grain bread slices, perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, spiced pumpkin flavors.
  • Elegant Dinner Starter: Present in small appetizer portions with a delicate swirl of cream and fresh herb garnish for an impressive first course at dinner parties.

How to Store Pumpkin Soup Safely

  • Store leftover pumpkin soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Cool the soup completely before transferring to a sealed container to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Avoid freezing soup with cream, as it may separate and lose its creamy texture when thawed.
  • Freeze plain pumpkin soup without dairy for maximum preservation, lasting up to 3 months.
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Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty pumpkin soup embodies autumn’s warmth with creamy richness from roasted butternut squash and aromatic spices. Delightful comfort awaits you in each spoonful of this classic seasonal dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (946 ml) pumpkin puree
  • 4 cups (946 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (237 ml) coconut milk or cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame and gently caramelize diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Pour pumpkin puree and vegetable broth into the pot, stirring thoroughly to combine and creating a uniform liquid mixture.
  3. Elevate temperature and allow the mixture to reach a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low for gentle simmering.
  4. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and develop deep, rich undertones.
  5. Incorporate coconut milk or heavy cream, stirring smoothly to create a luxurious texture and silky consistency.
  6. Season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, ground cinnamon, and a delicate touch of nutmeg, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  7. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until achieving a velvety, uniform smoothness. Alternatively, carefully transfer contents to a standard blender, processing in small batches.
  8. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Swap dairy cream with coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version that adds richness and subtle tropical flavor.
  • Roast fresh pumpkin chunks before pureeing to develop deeper, caramelized notes and enhance natural sweetness.
  • Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet with a pinch of salt for a crunchy, nutty topping that elevates texture and adds protein.
  • Experiment with spice variations like ginger or curry powder to transform the soup’s profile and create exciting international-inspired versions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 100 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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