Easy Pumpkin Soup with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Embrace the Cozy Season with Our Easy Pumpkin Soup

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to embrace the cozy season than with a warm bowl of pumpkin soup. Our Easy Pumpkin Soup recipe is the epitome of comfort, blending the rich flavors of roasted pumpkin with aromatic spices for a deliciously satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making this flavorful soup, share some FAQs, variations, and even provide keto and low-carb versions for those with dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the world of autumn flavors!

Ingredients

To make our Easy Pumpkin Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Produce:

  • 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
  • 2 tablespoons Minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup Chopped onion
  • 3 cups Pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

Baking & Spices:

  • 2 tablespoons Light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Ground cumin

Nuts & Seeds:

  • 3/4 cup Roasted salted pumpkin seeds

Dairy:

  • 2 tablespoons Butter (salted or unsalted)
  • 3 cups Half-and-half

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Pumpkin Seeds

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Toss the pumpkin seeds with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
  3. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside for garnish.

Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, freshly ground pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the spices are toasted and aromatic.
  4. Add the pumpkin puree to the pot and stir to combine with the spice mixture.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

  1. Pour in the half-and-half and stir until the soup is smooth and well combined.
  2. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

  1. Once the soup has simmered, remove it from the heat.
  2. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches until smooth.
  3. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve the Soup

  1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds.
  2. Serve the soup warm, accompanied by crusty bread or a simple salad for a cozy autumn meal.

Cook Notes and Variations

  • Texture Variation: For a chunkier soup, you can leave some of the pumpkin puree unblended or add diced roasted pumpkin pieces to the soup before serving.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of heat in the soup. You can also omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Creaminess: For a creamier soup, you can substitute heavy cream or coconut cream for the half-and-half.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin for this recipe. Simply peel and cube the pumpkin, then roast it until tender before pureeing it in a blender or food processor.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

3. Is this soup suitable for keto or low-carb diets?

While this soup contains some carbohydrates from the pumpkin and onion, you can reduce the carb content by using a lower-carb milk alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk instead of half-and-half.

Warm up your autumn days with our Easy Pumpkin Soup recipe. With its creamy texture, flavorful spices, and crunchy pumpkin seed garnish, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served as a starter at your next fall gathering, this soup is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Give it a try and embrace the comfort of pumpkin season!