Description
A classic and easy pumpkin soup recipe using fresh pumpkin or butternut squash, simmered with onions and garlic, blended until smooth, and finished with cream for a rich, comforting dish perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.2 kg pumpkin (any type) or butternut squash, unpeeled weight
- 1 onion, sliced (white, brown, or yellow)
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled whole
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth/stock, low sodium
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishes
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup cream, half and half, or milk
Instructions
- Prepare the pumpkin: Cut the pumpkin into 3cm thick slices, peel the skin off, and scrape out the seeds. Then cut into 4cm chunks.
- Cook the vegetables: Place the pumpkin chunks, sliced onion, whole garlic cloves, broth, and water into a pot. The liquid will not fully cover the pumpkin. Bring to a boil uncovered, then reduce the heat and let it simmer rapidly until the pumpkin is tender, about 10 minutes. Check tenderness with a butter knife.
- Blend the soup: Remove from heat and blend the soup using a stick blender until smooth. If using a countertop blender, allow the soup to cool slightly to avoid hot liquid accidents.
- Season and finish: Season the blended soup with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the cream or milk. Do not boil the soup after adding cream as it may split.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle a bit more cream on top, sprinkle with pepper and parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- Use about 2.4 lb (1.2 kg) of pumpkin before peeling and seeding. Butternut squash is an excellent alternative.
- If using canned pumpkin puree, substitute with two cans and follow the same cooking method.
- Cream adds richness but the soup tastes great with just milk or a bit of butter instead.
- When blending hot soup in a blender, cool it slightly first to prevent splattering or explosions.
- For flavor variations, consider adding spices or herbs as noted in the full recipe post.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
