As the leaves turn golden and there's a distinct chill in the air, nothing satisfies quite like a steaming bowl of homemade pumpkin soup. This classic autumn warmer is surprisingly simple to create, transforming humble ingredients into a velvety smooth comfort food that will become your seasonal staple.
Why This Pumpkin Soup Will Become Your Autumn Favourite
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss. The magic lies in roasting the pumpkin first, which intensifies its natural sweetness and creates a depth of flavour that simply can't be achieved through boiling alone. The result? A soup that's both luxurious and wholesome.
Your Essential Ingredients
Gather these simple components for soup perfection:
- 1 medium pumpkin (approximately 1.5kg), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- 200ml double cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh nutmeg for grating
Creating Your Soup Masterpiece: Step-by-Step
- Roast to perfection: Toss your cubed pumpkin with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 200°C/180°C fan for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelised at the edges.
- Sauté the aromatics: While the pumpkin roasts, gently cook the onion in a large pot until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine and simmer: Add the roasted pumpkin to the pot along with the vegetable stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
- Blend to creamy perfection: Using a blender or immersion stick, puree the soup until completely smooth. For an extra silky texture, you can pass it through a fine sieve.
- Finish with flair: Stir through the double cream and season to taste. A final grating of fresh nutmeg adds that essential autumnal warmth.
Pro Tips for Soup Excellence
Choosing your pumpkin: Look for varieties like Crown Prince or Butternut Squash for the best flavour and texture. The flesh should be firm and vibrant orange.
Texture matters: Don't rush the roasting process – those caramelised edges are flavour gold! For an ultra-smooth finish, invest in a good quality blender.
Get creative with toppings: Elevate your soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of chilli oil, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of crème fraîche with fresh herbs.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This pumpkin soup strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. The roasting technique elevates the humble pumpkin, while the cream adds luxury without overwhelming the vegetable's natural sweetness. It's meal prep friendly, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to impress family and guests alike.
Whether you're seeking a quick weeknight dinner or planning an autumnal dinner party, this versatile soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. So embrace the season and treat yourself to a bowl of pure golden goodness.
