If you’re looking to cozy up with a bowl that’s both comforting and vibrant, this Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe is a must-try. It’s rich, creamy, and full of warm spices that create the perfect balance between savory and slightly sweet, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings or whenever you want to savor the mellow flavors of fall. The beauty of this soup lies not only in its taste but also in how effortlessly it comes together, turning simple pantry staples into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup relies on a handful of essential ingredients that blend to create a harmony of flavors, creamy texture, and that classic pumpkin-orange color that’s just irresistible. Every item plays a crucial role in making this soup both satisfying and memorable.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions for a sweet depth of flavor.
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced: Their natural sweetness sets the delicious base for the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle, aromatic punch without overpowering the pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings harmony to the spices.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Provides that warm, cozy fall spice note.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a hint of nuttiness and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing that brightens the soup.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, smooth and velvety, packed with seasonal goodness.
- 2 cups chicken stock: Builds a savory background that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- 2 cups water: Keeps the soup light enough to enjoy as a starter or main.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Rounds out the texture with luscious creaminess for that indulgent finish.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring every so often until they turn golden and delightfully caramelized—this should take about 15 minutes. This step develops a rich sweetness that’s the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Keep stirring for about a minute so the spices can bloom and the garlic softens just enough to meld without burning.
Step 3: Deglaze and Combine Main Ingredients
Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken stock to deglaze the pot, scraping up any caramelized bits that have stuck to the bottom—this is where much of your flavor is hiding! Then add the remaining chicken stock, water, and pumpkin puree all at once. Stir everything until well combined.
Step 4: Simmer Gently
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the soup cook for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry and the soup to develop its silky texture.
Step 5: Blend Until Smooth
Use an immersion blender straight in the pot or carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender to puree until irresistibly smooth. This step is where the easy pumpkin soup recipe really shines, resulting in a luscious consistency you’ll love.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Serve
Lastly, stir in the heavy cream to make the soup luxuriously creamy. Serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting, perhaps paired with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your soup’s gorgeous appearance and flavor by adding bright green fresh herbs like parsley or chives for contrast. A swirl of extra cream or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds also add lovely texture and visual appeal, making each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with buttery garlic bread or a simple mixed greens salad for a light meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar perfectly complements the rich, spiced soup and makes the meal even cozier.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in small cups as a starter for a dinner party, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens to impress your guests. You could also hollow out small pumpkins and ladle the soup inside them for an eye-catching seasonal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. If the soup has thickened too much after refrigeration or freezing, just add a splash of water or stock to bring it back to the right consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth and use a plant-based cream or coconut milk in place of heavy cream to keep the soup creamy and flavorful.
What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Canned pumpkin puree works best for ease and consistency. Make sure you choose pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin for a fresher taste, but keep in mind it will add a bit more prep time. Use varieties like Sugar Pie pumpkin for best flavor and texture.
Is this soup spicy?
No, the soup features warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, but it is not spicy in a hot or peppery sense. However, you can add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
How thick is the soup?
This soup is fairly thick and creamy but still spoonable. If you prefer it thinner, simply add more stock or water before or after blending to reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the season in a bowl that’s quick to make yet feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re new to pumpkin soup or a longtime fan, this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites to share with friends and family.
Print
Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy pumpkin soup recipe offers a creamy, warmly spiced dish that is perfect for cozy fall or winter evenings. Made with pumpkin puree, aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and enriched with heavy cream, this soup balances savory and sweet flavors, creating a comforting starter or light meal. Caramelized onions add depth, and the use of pureed pumpkin ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Main Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans pumpkin puree
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups water
Finishing Touch
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes, which adds rich sweetness to the soup.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma without burning the garlic.
- Deglaze and Combine Ingredients: Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken stock to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance flavor. Then add the remaining chicken stock, water, and the pumpkin puree. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Puree the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches, blending until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cream and Serve: Stir in the heavy cream to enrich the soup. Serve immediately, optionally with warm bread on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree if available for a more vibrant flavor.
- Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of extra cream for presentation.
