Every year when the autumn air starts to sneak in, there's nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of creamy pumpkin soup. This thick, velvety puree has long been a seasonal favorite, beloved for its luscious texture and the warm spices that make it taste like a great big edible hug.
Let's take a closer look at this fall classic soup.
A Soup for All Seasons (And People)
While pumpkin is quintessentially autumnal, the truth is that creamy pumpkin soup can be enjoyed any time of year thanks to the availability of canned pumpkin puree. And it appeals to just about everyone from kids to seniors.
In the fall, families like to have fun together by drinking pumpkin soup. They do this before going trick-or-treating or after raking leaves on a cold day. The spices in the soup, like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, make it taste special and remind them of the feeling of wearing warm, cozy sweaters.
Vegans and those with dietary restrictions also adore pumpkin soup since it's an easy way to enjoy rich, creamy decadence without cream or dairy. The pumpkin puree itself lends a luxurious, velvety body. Garnished with pumpkin seeds, swirls of coconut cream, and fresh herbs, pumpkin soup feels special yet simple.
The Perfect Pumpkin Pairings
Pumpkin bisque is perfect with a variety of delicious sides and here are a few dish ideas to round out your pumpkin feast:
- Crusty bread or rolls for dunking and scooping up every last drop
- Seasonal salads with fruits like pears, apples, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and beets
- Hearty entrees like meatloaf, roast chicken, or lamb chops
- Sweet treats like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin spice cookies for dessert
Essentially, pumpkin soup's versatility makes it a perfect starter or side dish for all sorts of fall and winter meals.
Make It at Home
While you can certainly buy prepared pumpkin soup at the store, making it from scratch at home is incredibly easy and lets you control the flavors and ingredients. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 sugar pumpkin or 2 (15 oz) cans of pumpkin puree
- 1 white or yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 cup milk, cream, or unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1⁄4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp ground ginger
- 1⁄4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Saute the onions and garlic over medium heat with a little oil or butter until soft.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, stock, milk/cream, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and spices.
3. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
5. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and an extra drizzle of maple syrup or cream.
With its creamy texture, sweet warmth, and endless versatility, is it any wonder that so many people adore pumpkin soup? Make a batch this season and taste the cozy deliciousness for yourself!
