Pumpkin Cream Soup is a delicious, comforting soup that’s perfect for fall or any time you want a creamy, flavorful bowl of goodness. Here’s a classic recipe for making rich and smooth pumpkin cream soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 medium celery stalk, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (for added creaminess, optional)
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups (480 ml) canned pumpkin puree (or fresh, roasted pumpkin puree)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or sage for garnish (optional)
- Pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Stir in the diced carrot, celery, and potato (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Broth and Pumpkin:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend the Soup:
- Add the pumpkin puree to the pot and stir to combine.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
5. Add Cream and Spices:
- Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk.
- Season with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the soup gently, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or sage and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, if desired.
Optional Additions:
- Apple: For a touch of sweetness, add a peeled and diced apple to the vegetables while cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can be added for extra flavor.
This pumpkin cream soup is perfect served with crusty bread or a side salad. Enjoy this comforting and creamy fall favorite!
