Pumpkin soup is the ultimate comfort food for cozy days. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re curled up on a cold night or hosting a fall dinner party, this soup delivers in both taste and simplicity. Made with roasted pumpkin, spices, and a hint of cream, it’s a bowl full of goodness that feels like a hug from the inside out. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for meal prep. If you’ve never made homemade pumpkin soup before, don’t worry—I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Quick Facts
Let’s take a quick look at what to expect from this delicious pumpkin soup recipe:
| Course | Cuisine | Difficulty | Servings | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soup | American/European | Easy | 4 | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | ~190 kcal |
Equipment Needed
Before diving into the kitchen, make sure you’ve got the right tools. These items will help you cook smoothly and safely:
- Cutting board: For chopping pumpkin, onion, and garlic.
- Sharp knife: A good, sturdy knife makes cutting easier and safer.
- Vegetable peeler: To peel the pumpkin skin (if using fresh pumpkin).
- Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking and blending all ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring while sautéing and simmering.
- Blender or immersion blender: To puree the soup until creamy.
- Ladle: For serving the soup.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy helps balance the flavors.
Tip: If using canned pumpkin purée, you can skip the peeling and chopping steps.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty, flavorful pumpkin soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups fresh pumpkin (peeled, diced) or 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for dairy-free option)
- Optional toppings: roasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of cream, fresh herbs
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful pumpkin soup:
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add pumpkin and spices: Stir in the diced pumpkin (or canned purée), salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well for 2 minutes.
- Pour in broth: Add the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
- Blend it smooth: Use an immersion blender right in the pot. Or carefully transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Heat for another 2 minutes on low. Do not boil.
- Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with seeds or herbs if desired.
Essential Note:
For best flavor, use roasted pumpkin if you have time. Simply cut a fresh pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, and roast at 375°F for 45 minutes. This adds a natural sweetness and richer texture to the soup. Always blend in small batches if using a traditional blender to avoid burns from steam.
