Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: Velvety Creamy Pumpkin Soup!

  As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to chase away the chill. And when it comes to fall flavors, pumpkin reigns supreme! But beyond pies and lattes, pumpkin truly shines in a savory, velvety smooth soup.

This recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Soup is incredibly easy to make, yet tastes like something you'd find in a gourmet restaurant. It's rich, subtly spiced, and wonderfully comforting – the perfect antidote to a chilly day or an elegant starter for any autumn meal. Get ready to wrap your hands around a bowl of pure seasonal bliss!

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Velvety Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, low-sodium
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: toasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of cream, fresh thyme or parsley, a pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1.      Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2.     Add Pumpkin and Spices: Stir in the canned pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the spices and pumpkin, which deepens the flavor.

3.    Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and stir until the pumpkin mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4.    Blend to Perfection: For a smooth, velvety texture, you have two options:

o   Immersion Blender: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot and blend until the soup is completely smooth.

o   Regular Blender: Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until smooth, being sure to leave the vent open on the lid (and cover with a towel) to allow steam to escape.

5.    Add Cream and Season: Return the pureed soup to the pot (if you used a regular blender). Stir in the heavy cream. Gently heat the soup through, but do not bring it to a boil after adding the cream.

6.     Serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. A simple swirl of cream and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds add a touch of elegance and crunch.

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This soup is the very definition of comfort food. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese for a complete and satisfying meal. What's your favorite way to enjoy the flavors of pumpkin? Share your ideas in the comments below!