Pumpkin soup is the ultimate cozy comfort in a bowl — velvety, rich, and filled with warm autumn spices. I love making it when the weather starts to cool down, and the smell of roasted pumpkin and garlic fills the kitchen with that perfect fall feeling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this soup is both creamy and light, slightly sweet yet savory, and totally comforting. It’s easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, and it’s the perfect starter or main dish for a chilly day. Plus, it keeps well, freezes beautifully, and always tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Pumpkin puree (or roasted pumpkin flesh)
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Onion, chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Carrot, chopped
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Vegetable or chicken broth
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Olive oil or butter
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Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
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Ground cinnamon
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Ground nutmeg
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Salt and pepper
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Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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I heat olive oil or butter in a large pot and sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot until softened and fragrant.
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I stir in the pumpkin puree, spices, salt, and pepper, letting everything cook together for a few minutes to build flavor.
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I add the broth and bring it to a simmer, letting the soup cook for about 20–25 minutes until the carrots are tender.
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Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender in batches), I puree the soup until silky smooth.
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I stir in cream or coconut milk at the end for extra richness, then adjust seasoning and serve warm, garnished with herbs if I have them.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook — ready in around 35 minutes total.
Variations
I sometimes add a pinch of curry powder or a spoonful of ginger for extra warmth. For a sweeter version, I roast the pumpkin with maple syrup first. I’ve also topped it with toasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled feta for added texture.
Storage/reheating
Pumpkin soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. It also freezes well for up to 3 months — I thaw and reheat slowly, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, and I often do. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely. I use vegetable broth and coconut milk for a creamy, plant-based version.
What goes well with pumpkin soup?
I like to serve it with crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a simple green salad.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, and I actually prefer to. The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
How do I make it spicier?
I add a pinch of chili flakes or a swirl of sriracha at the end for heat.
Conclusion
Pumpkin soup is a fall favorite I never get tired of making. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor — perfect for warming up on cold days or impressing guests with something homemade and seasonal.
Print
Pumpkin Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup, Starter, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Pumpkin soup is the ultimate cozy comfort in a bowl — velvety, rich, and filled with warm autumn spices. It’s easy to make and perfect for chilly days, with creamy texture and a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree (or roasted pumpkin flesh)
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrot, chopped
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Olive oil or butter
- Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Add broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20–25 minutes, until carrots are tender.
- Use an immersion blender (or regular blender in batches) to puree until smooth and velvety.
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk if using, and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add curry powder or fresh ginger for extra warmth and depth.
- Roast pumpkin with maple syrup beforehand for a sweeter flavor.
- Top with toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled feta, or a swirl of cream.
- Use coconut milk and vegetable broth for a vegan version.
- Soup thickens as it sits — add extra broth when reheating if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
