Pumpkin soup is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for any season, but it shines especially during the fall and winter months. This quick and easy recipe only takes 30 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Here’s how to whip up this deliciously simple pumpkin soup that you’ll want to make every day!
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin: 1 medium-sized pumpkin (about 2-3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- Onion: 1 large onion, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Vegetable Stock: 4 cups (you can also use chicken stock if not vegetarian)
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- Potato: 1 large potato, peeled and cubed (adds creaminess without the cream)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Nutmeg: A pinch, for extra flavor
- Cream or Coconut Milk: ½ cup for garnish (optional)
- Fresh Herbs: Such as parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by preparing all your vegetables. Peel and chop the pumpkin, onions, carrots, and potato. Mince the garlic.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the carrots, potato, and pumpkin to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Stock and Simmer:
- Pour in the vegetable stock, ensuring that the vegetables are completely submerged. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the Soup:
- Once the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning:
- If the soup is too thick, add a bit more stock until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the soup hot. If desired, swirl in a spoonful of cream or coconut milk for extra richness, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls.
- Croutons: Add homemade croutons for a crunchy texture.
- Protein: Top with roasted chickpeas or shredded chicken for added protein.
Conclusion:
This easy and delicious pumpkin soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to throw in any vegetables you have on hand, making it perfect for using up leftovers. Enjoy this warm, creamy soup any day of the week – it’s sure to become a favorite!
