Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sugar pumpkin (about 3-4 pounds), peeled, seeded, and diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- Roasted pumpkin seeds, for garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Sauté Onion:
- In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Pumpkin:
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced pumpkin. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in Broth:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth to cover the pumpkin. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Season:
- Add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Blend:
- Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
7. Add Cream and Maple Syrup:
- Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and the optional maple syrup. Heat the soup over low heat, being careful not to let it boil. Stir until it’s well heated.
8. Check Consistency:
- Check the consistency of the soup. If it’s too thick, you can add more broth or cream to reach your preferred thickness.
9. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
10. Serve:
- Ladle the hot pumpkin soup into bowls.
11. Garnish:
- Garnish each bowl with roasted pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme or parsley.
12. Enjoy your homemade pumpkin soup! It’s a warm and comforting dish, perfect for autumn or any time you’re craving a creamy and flavorful soup. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.