Spiced Pumpkin Soup

Vegetarian Spiced Pumpkin Soup Recipe

| Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spiced Pumpkin Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the fall and winter months. This soup is packed with warm spices and creamy pumpkin, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

Pumpkin soup has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the dish found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of spices like curry, cumin, and nutmeg gives this traditional soup a unique and flavorful twist.

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter
1 cup chopped onion
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp curry powder
0.25 tsp cumin
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup peeled and cubed sweet potato
0.25 tsp salt
2 cans (14 oz or 397 g each) nonfat and low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable stock
1 can (15 oz or 425 g) pumpkin
1 cup 1% milk
1 tbsp fresh lime juice

How to prepare

1. In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Saute onion for 3–4 minutes, then add flour, curry, cumin, and nutmeg. Saute for 1 minute.
2. Add sweet potato, salt, chicken broth, and pumpkin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for about 20–25 minutes or until sweet potatoes are cooked through and softened. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes to cool.
3. Place half of the pumpkin mixture in a blender and process until smooth. Using a strainer, pour the soup back into the pan. Repeat with the rest of the soup.
4. Raise the heat to medium, then stir in milk and cook for 5 minutes or until the soup is heated through.
5. Remove from heat and add lime juice.

Variations

For a vegan version, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flavor.

Notes

Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: 6

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid any splattering.

- For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender instead of a traditional blender.

- Adjust the spices to your liking, adding more or less curry powder, cumin, or nutmeg to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spiced Pumpkin Soup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, and a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use a strainer to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butternut squash or acorn squash in place of pumpkin.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

Spiced Pumpkin Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Spiced Pumpkin Soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a swirl of cream for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spiced Pumpkin Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spiced Pumpkin Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spiced Pumpkin Soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spiced Pumpkin Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spiced Pumpkin Soup contains approximately 4 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spiced Pumpkin Soup contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spiced Pumpkin Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of milk, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Spiced Pumpkin Soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Spiced Pumpkin Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the fall and winter months. Packed with warm spices and creamy pumpkin, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling gently from the trees, and the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. I was visiting a quaint little cafe in the countryside, enjoying a warm cup of tea, when I overheard two elderly women chatting about a new recipe they had tried - Spiced Pumpkin Soup.

Intrigued by their conversation, I couldn't resist asking them for the recipe. They were more than happy to share their secret with me, explaining how they had learned to make the soup from their own grandmothers many years ago. The ingredients were simple - fresh pumpkin, onions, garlic, a hint of curry powder, and of course, a generous amount of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It sounded like the perfect comfort food for the chilly autumn days ahead.

I rushed home that day, eager to try out the recipe for myself. I carefully chopped up the pumpkin, sautéed the onions and garlic, and added in the spices, letting the fragrant aroma fill my kitchen. As the soup simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The smell reminded me of my own grandmother's kitchen, where I had spent countless hours watching her cook and learning her culinary secrets.

When the soup was finally ready, I eagerly ladled out a bowl and took my first sip. The flavors were rich and complex, the spices mingling perfectly with the sweet earthiness of the pumpkin. It was a taste of autumn in a bowl, warming me from the inside out.

From that day on, Spiced Pumpkin Soup became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or simply to warm me up on a cold winter's night. Each time, the memory of that autumn day in the countryside would come flooding back to me, reminding me of the joy of discovering a new recipe and the simple pleasure of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. Sometimes I'll throw in a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, or a dollop of creamy yogurt for a touch of tanginess. But no matter how I choose to serve it, Spiced Pumpkin Soup will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of that fateful day when I stumbled upon a new culinary delight and began my own journey of creating delicious meals for my family and friends.

Now, as I sit here in my cozy kitchen, stirring a pot of Spiced Pumpkin Soup on the stove, I can't help but smile as I think back on that happy memory. The recipe may have come from two strangers in a cafe, but the joy and warmth it has brought to my life is truly something I will cherish forever. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of soup, surrounded by the ones I love, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.