A warm bowl of homemade creamy pumpkin soup is one of the best ways to welcome the autumn season. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with a handful of other flavors to create a rich, creamy, and comforting dish.
The key ingredient, pumpkin, can be found fresh in the produce section or canned in the grocery aisle during the autumn season. If you're using fresh pumpkin, look for the smaller, so-called 'pie' pumpkins, which have sweeter, less watery flesh than the larger, decorative ones.
Ingredients for Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin: The base for our soup, lending a natural sweetness and creamy texture.
Onion: Adds a depth of flavor.
Potatoes: Adds thickness to the soup.
Carrot: Adds sweetness and color.
Garlic Cloves: Brings a pungent, spicy flavor to contrast with the sweetness.
Chicken broth: To thin the soup and add a savory note.
Chicken bouillon cubes: For additional chicken flavor.
Half and half: Gives the soup its creamy, rich texture.
Bacon: Adds a salty, smoky crunch on top.
Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, bright contrast to the rich soup.
One reader, Baudoin Janssen says:
This creamy pumpkin soup recipe is a game-changer! The blend of pumpkin, potatoes, and carrots creates a rich and velvety texture that's simply divine. The addition of bacon and parsley on top adds a delightful crunch and freshness. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for fall evenings.
Techniques for Making Creamy Pumpkin Soup
How to prepare the vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop the pumpkin, onion, potatoes, and carrot into small, even-sized pieces for even cooking.
How to blend the soup: Use a stick blender to puree the cooked vegetables until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
How to cook the bacon: In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it to use as a garnish for the soup.
How to adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference before serving.
How to garnish with parsley: Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the soup just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
How To Make Creamy Pumpkin Soup
What makes this pumpkin soup special is its thick and creamy texture made savory with parsley, garlic, and rich chicken stock, and some bouillon cubes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbspumpkinskin and seeds removed, chopped
- 1onionroughly chopped
- 2mediumpotatoespeeled and diced
- 1largecarrotpeeled and diced
- 4garlic clovescrushed
- 4cupschicken
- 2chicken bouillon cubescrumbled
- Salt and pepper
- ½cuphalf and half
- ½baconoptional
- Fresh parsleyoptional
Instructions
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Place all ingredients, except cream, in a large pot or saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until vegetables are tender.
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Turn off heat. Using a stick blender, blend until smooth.
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Add the cream and stir through.
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Add any salt or pepper if needed, and serve with bacon and parsley.
Nutrition
- Calories: 354.51kcal
- Fat: 17.75g
- Saturated Fat: 5.94g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.99g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.36g
- Carbohydrates: 28.22g
- Fiber: 3.46g
- Sugar: 7.13g
- Protein: 22.14g
- Cholesterol: 79.26mg
- Sodium: 882.33mg
- Calcium: 97.63mg
- Potassium: 1138.97mg
- Iron: 3.12mg
- Vitamin A: 818.47µg
- Vitamin C: 37.14mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing Creamy Pumpkin Soup Flavor
When preparing your pumpkin for this soup, make sure to remove all the seeds and stringy flesh inside before cutting it into chunks. This will ensure a smoother texture for your soup. Additionally, roasting the pumpkin before adding it to the soup can enhance its flavor. Simply cut the pumpkin into chunks, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and slightly caramelized.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Pumpkin Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a pressure cooker: Utilize a pressure cooker to quickly cook the pumpkin and vegetables, reducing the overall cooking time.
Multi-task: While the soup is simmering, use that time to prepare the garnishes or set the table to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Organize your ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in an organized manner before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Invest in kitchen gadgets: Consider using kitchen gadgets like a stick blender or food processor to speed up the blending process and achieve a smoother texture.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
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pumpkin – Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to pumpkin and can be used as a creamy base for the soup.
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chicken broth – Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative to chicken broth, while still providing a flavorful base for the soup.
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half and half – Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the soup, making it a suitable dairy-free alternative to half and half.
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bacon – Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can provide a smoky flavor similar to bacon, adding depth to the soup without the use of meat.
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potatoes – Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be used to add a creamy texture to the soup, similar to potatoes, while also reducing the overall carb content.
Presentation Tips for Creamy Pumpkin Soup
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Elevate the plating: Carefully arrange the soup in a shallow bowl, ensuring it is visually appealing and inviting. Use a circular motion to create a smooth surface, and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil for a touch of elegance.
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Incorporate texture: Add a delightful crunch to the dish by sprinkling crispy bacon bits on top of the soup. This will provide a contrast in texture and elevate the overall dining experience.
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Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the soup to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. The vibrant green hues will beautifully complement the rich, creamy pumpkin base.
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Utilize elegant servingware: Present the soup in a sophisticated, porcelain bowl to create a sense of luxury and refinement. The choice of servingware can enhance the perception of the dish.
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Consider the visual balance: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring a harmonious and balanced presentation. The goal is to create a visually stunning dish that captivates the diners' attention.
Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin Soup
- Cutting board: A flat surface for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife for various cutting and chopping tasks.
- Pot or saucepan: For cooking and simmering the soup ingredients.
- Stick blender: Used to blend the cooked vegetables into a smooth consistency.
- Soup ladle: For serving the creamy pumpkin soup.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurement of ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing the soup while cooking.
- Soup bowls: For serving the finished creamy pumpkin soup.
- Saucepan: For cooking the bacon.
Storing and Freezing Creamy Pumpkin Soup
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Let the creamy pumpkin soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and altering the texture of the soup.
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To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
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For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. This allows you to thaw only the amount you need for future meals.
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When freezing, leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion as the soup freezes. Aim for about 1-2 inches of space at the top.
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Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of your frozen pumpkin soup stash.
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To thaw, place the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until it's completely defrosted. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can encourage bacterial growth.
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Reheat the thawed soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup appears too thick after freezing and thawing, you can thin it out with a little chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
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For best quality, consume the frozen pumpkin soup within 3-4 months. While it will remain safe to eat beyond this timeframe, the flavor and texture may start to deteriorate.
How To Reheat Leftover Creamy Pumpkin Soup
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The best way to reheat leftover creamy pumpkin soup is to use a saucepan on the stovetop. Pour the desired amount of soup into the pan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your preferred temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly warmed without scorching or separating.
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If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the pumpkin soup in the microwave. Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat the soup in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
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For a quick and easy lunch, consider reheating individual portions of the creamy pumpkin soup in a mug or small bowl. This method is perfect for those who want a comforting and warm meal without the hassle of reheating a large batch.
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If you find that the pumpkin soup has thickened after being refrigerated, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of chicken broth or water while reheating. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency.
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To add a fresh twist to your leftover creamy pumpkin soup, consider garnishing it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. These toppings can brighten up the flavors and make the soup feel like a brand new meal.
Interesting Fact About Creamy Pumpkin Soup
The creamy pumpkin soup recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed during the fall season. It incorporates the natural sweetness of pumpkin, the savory flavors of chicken and bacon, and the creamy texture of half and half. This recipe is a great way to warm up on a chilly day and is perfect for serving as a starter or a light meal. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with various spices and herbs to suit individual preferences. The combination of pumpkin, chicken, and bacon creates a rich and comforting flavor profile that is sure to please the palate. Try this comforting soup for a delightful dining experience.
Is Making Pumpkin Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This creamy pumpkin soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as pumpkin, onion, and potatoes, are budget-friendly and readily available. The addition of chicken and bacon may slightly increase the cost, but they contribute to the overall flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-20, making it an affordable option for a wholesome meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Creamy Pumpkin Soup Healthy?
This creamy pumpkin soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like pumpkin, onion, potatoes, carrot, and garlic. Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function. The vegetables also provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components, such as bacon and half-and-half, which are high in saturated fat and calories. The chicken bouillon cubes may also contribute to a higher sodium content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the half-and-half with a lower-fat alternative, such as low-fat milk or coconut milk, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Omit the bacon or use a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or roasted pumpkin seeds, for a crunchy topping
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and omit the bouillon cubes to reduce the sodium content
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to boost the nutrient density of the soup
- Add additional herbs and spices, such as thyme, sage, or nutmeg, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt
Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
This creamy pumpkin soup recipe is a delightful blend of seasonal flavors. The combination of pumpkin, potatoes, and carrots creates a rich and velvety texture, while the addition of chicken broth adds depth to the soup. The touch of half and half brings a luxurious creaminess, and the crispy bacon and fresh parsley garnish provide a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Overall, this recipe offers a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for the autumn season.
Why trust this Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe:
This creamy pumpkin soup recipe offers a delightful blend of seasonal flavors and wholesome ingredients. The combination of fresh pumpkin, aromatic onion, and hearty potatoes creates a rich and comforting soup. The addition of chicken broth and bacon infuses a depth of savory goodness, while the touch of half and half adds a luxurious creaminess. With the final garnish of fresh parsley, this recipe promises a satisfying and flavorful dining experience. Trust in the warmth and nourishment of this soup to elevate your autumn culinary repertoire.
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