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:
- 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.
- Add the cubed pumpkin to the pan and stir to coat with the oil. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 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.
- Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, purĂ©e the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender in batches.
- Return the soup to the pan and stir in the double cream. Gently reheat the soup, being careful not to let it boil.
- 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.
- 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!