Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the irresistible urge for cozy, comforting food. There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup on a chilly evening. This recipe, Libby's Pumpkin Soup, is my go-to for a quick, healthy, and unbelievably delicious meal. It's so easy even beginner cooks will feel confident whipping it up, making it the perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. Let's dive in!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You likely already have many of these in your pantry!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen
This pumpkin soup recipe is surprisingly quick and easy. Even with a busy schedule, you can have a healthy and delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Pumpkin and Broth: Pour in the pumpkin puree and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer and Season: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the coconut milk, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Caution: Always vent the lid of a regular blender when blending hot liquids.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as toasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Cooking Tips for Pumpkin Soup Perfection
- Roast the Pumpkin: For a deeper, richer flavor, roast the pumpkin before pureeing it. Simply cube a pumpkin, toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth.
- Add Some Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrients and a vibrant green hue.
Variations: Make it Your Own
- Sweet Potato Pumpkin Soup: Add a medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed, along with the onion.
- Curried Pumpkin Soup: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder along with the other spices.
- Spicy Pumpkin Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Around 5-7 grams
- Fat: Around 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-40 grams
- Fiber: Around 4-5 grams
This Libby's Pumpkin Soup is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It’s a healthy meal, perfect for a chilly autumn evening, and easy enough for anyone to make. Enjoy!