A Comforting Autumn Classic: Pumpkin Soup

As the leaves turn golden and there’s a chill in the air, nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of pumpkin soup.

This quintessential autumn dish is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. Here’s how to make a creamy, flavourful pumpkin soup that will have your family clamouring for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• 100 ml double cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the cubed pumpkin to the pan and stir to coat with the oil. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender in batches.
5. Return the soup to the pan and stir in the double cream. Gently reheat the soup, being careful not to let it boil.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it with a bit of water or additional stock.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, if desired.

This pumpkin soup is perfect as a starter or a light meal on its own. Serve it with crusty bread for a truly satisfying autumn repast. The soup can be made ahead and reheated, and it can be frozen for up to three months. For a vegan version, simply replace the double cream with coconut milk.

You can also experiment with additional spices like cinnamon or ginger for a warming twist.With its velvety texture and rich flavour, this pumpkin soup is sure to become a staple in your autumn recipe repertoire. Enjoy!