Are you craving that creamy, dreamy pumpkin soup you get at Panera Bread? Forget the drive and the cost! This recipe lets you recreate that comforting autumnal favorite right in your own kitchen. It's surprisingly easy, incredibly delicious, and perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend brunch. Get ready to enjoy a healthy and satisfying homemade meal that tastes just as good, if not better, than the restaurant version. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and makes a wonderful addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a vegan option)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: toasted pepitas, croutons, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, fresh parsley
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your delicious soup.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream (or coconut milk), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother, creamier soup, carefully transfer the soup to a blender (in batches if necessary) and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easier cleanup.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as toasted pepitas, croutons, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, and fresh parsley. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this homemade pumpkin soup!
Tips for the Best Panera Copycat Pumpkin Soup:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you enjoy a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Roast the pumpkin: For an even deeper flavor, roast the pumpkin before pureeing it. Simply cube a pumpkin, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Pumpkin Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Apple Pumpkin Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of diced apple during the simmering stage for a sweet and savory twist.
- Curried Pumpkin Soup: Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder along with the other spices for an exotic flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on toppings and cream choice)
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy, healthy, and delicious Panera pumpkin soup recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a quick dinner idea that’s both satisfying and comforting. Enjoy this taste of autumn all year round!