Description
This classic and easy Pumpkin Soup recipe is a comforting dish perfect for any season. Made with fresh pumpkin or butternut squash, simmered with onion, garlic, and broth, then blended into a smooth, creamy soup. Finished with cream or milk for added richness, it serves as a hearty starter or light meal. Serve with crusty bread for a cozy dining experience.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.2 kg / 2.4 lb pumpkin (any type) OR butternut squash, unpeeled weight
- 1 onion, sliced (white, brown, or yellow)
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled whole
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth/stock, low sodium
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup cream, half and half, or milk
Instructions
- Prepare the pumpkin: Cut the pumpkin into 3cm (2.25 inch) slices. Remove and discard the skin, then scrape out the seeds. Chop the pumpkin flesh into 4cm (1.5 inch) chunks for even cooking.
- Cook the ingredients: Place the pumpkin chunks, sliced onion, whole garlic cloves, vegetable or chicken broth, and water in a large pot. The liquid should nearly cover the pumpkin. Bring the pot to a boil uncovered over medium-high heat, then reduce to a rapid simmer. Cook until the pumpkin is tender and easily pierced with a butter knife, approximately 10 minutes.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from heat. Using a stick (immersion) blender, carefully blend the soup until completely smooth. If using a countertop blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches to prevent splattering and accidents.
- Season and finish: Season the blended soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cream, half and half, or milk gently. Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Serve: Ladle the hot pumpkin soup into bowls. Optional: drizzle with a little extra cream, sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and chopped parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- The recipe uses approximately 2.4 lb (1.2 kg) of pumpkin before peeling and removing seeds. Butternut squash is a great alternative and is commonly called Butternut Pumpkin in Australia.
- If using canned pumpkin puree, substitute 2 cans for the fresh pumpkin and follow the recipe as written.
- Add cream for extra richness though the soup remains delicious with just milk or even a pat of butter stirred in for finish.
- When pureeing with a countertop blender, cool soup first to prevent explosion of hot soup from the blender lid blowing off.
- For flavor variations, consider adding spices or herbs such as nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, or fresh thyme as per personal preference.
- Nutritional values assume 4 servings and cream included in the recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 561g
- Calories: 189
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 723mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg