Pumpkin soup is comfort food at its best-filled, creamy, and perfect for cozy evenings or as an entree’ for a holiday meal. It is very easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients.
It is one of the best ways to make use of pumpkin leftovers or indulge in those rich, earthy flavors of fall. Smooth, tender feel of soup with the sweetness of pumpkin and subtleness of spices is an appeal to many.
Plus, it’s healthy; replete with vitamins A and C, this is one healthy choice for any meal. Whether a novice or an experienced chef, this recipe is simple enough for all.
That is the beauty of pumpkin soup: it can be as thick or as thin as one desires, with just the addition of spices or a bit of cream to make it even richer.
Serve it with crusty bread, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or with a dollop of yogurt for a satisfying, deliciously soaked plate of goodness. This will get you a steaming bowl of pumpkin soup in no time, bringing right onto your table all the flavors of fall.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) of pumpkin puree
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Directions:
- Saute the bacon until crispy in a soup pot on medium-high.
- Remove bacon on a paper towel-lined plate reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the skillet.
- If bacon grease less than 2 tablespoons supplement with butter to equal 2 tablespoons. Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion.
- Stir in the carrots and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
- Add in chicken broth, brown sugar, bay leaf, thyme sprigs, salt, pepper and nutmeg.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to low and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes.
- Add in the pumpkin and cream and simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender or hand blender, puree until smooth.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of parsley then pour mixture into soup bowls. Sprinkle additional cream, croutons, crumbled bacon and remaining parsley.