Description
A cozy, vibrant, and spicy pumpkin soup that combines warm spices, creamy pumpkin purée, and a balanced kick of heat. Perfect for autumn evenings or anytime you crave a comforting and nutritious meal, this soup features simple pantry staples with a luxurious texture from coconut milk or cream.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Pumpkin purée (canned or fresh) – 4 cups
- Onion, chopped – 1 medium
- Garlic cloves, minced – 3
- Fresh ginger, grated – 1 tablespoon
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Vegetable or chicken broth – 4 cups
- Coconut milk or cream – 1 cup
- Olive oil or butter – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Optional Variations & Garnishes
- Fresh jalapeños, chopped (for extra heat) – to taste
- Hot sauce – to taste
- Roasted pumpkin seeds or toasted nuts – for garnish
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or cilantro) – 1 tablespoon chopped
- Swirl of coconut cream or yogurt – for garnish
- Smoked paprika – pinch, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and chop the onion and garlic. Grate fresh ginger. If using a fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender and purée it; alternatively, use canned pumpkin purée.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant to build the soup’s flavor base.
- Add the Spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper into the pot. Stir well and toast the spices briefly to release their aromas and deepen their flavor.
- Incorporate Pumpkin and Broth: Pour in the pumpkin purée and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined and smooth. Increase heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and Blend: Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Then carefully puree the soup using an immersion blender or transfer it in batches to a regular blender until silky and creamy.
- Finish with Coconut Milk: Stir in the coconut milk or cream to add a rich, smooth texture and subtle sweetness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional chili if desired. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh chili powder and cayenne for the best heat and flavor.
- Don’t skip sautéing the onion, garlic, and ginger to deepen the soup’s flavor.
- Adjust the heat gradually by adding spices little by little and tasting as you go.
- Blend the soup thoroughly to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, coconut cream swirls, or fresh herbs for added texture and appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spicy pumpkin soup, pumpkin soup, fall soup, autumn recipe, creamy pumpkin soup, vegan pumpkin soup, gluten free soup, cozy soup, pumpkin purée recipe