Pumpkin puree soup

Pumpkin puree soup is a comforting and creamy dish that's perfect for fall or any time you want a cozy, nutritious meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious pumpkin puree soup:

Pumpkin Puree Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1-2 teaspoons ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional, for extra warmth)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (or about 2 cups homemade pumpkin puree)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as parsley, cilantro, or thyme)
• Pumpkin seeds or croutons for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until translucent and soft.
   • Stir in the garlic and diced carrot, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
   • If using ginger, add it now along with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg.

2. Add Broth and Pumpkin:

   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.

3. Blend the Soup:

   • Stir in the pumpkin puree.
   • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth.
   • Return the blended soup to the pot if you used a countertop blender.

4. Finish the Soup:

   • Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and heat through.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and maple syrup or honey if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, pumpkin seeds, or croutons if desired.
   • Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Homemade Pumpkin Puree: If you prefer homemade pumpkin puree, roast a sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast cut-side down on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes. Once tender, scoop out the flesh and blend until smooth.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences or add other spices like cloves or allspice for different flavor profiles.

This pumpkin puree soup is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Enjoy!