As the weather cools and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of pumpkin soup to bring comfort to your day. This recipe is perfect for autumn but can also bring a bit of cozy warmth even in summertime, thanks to its light, creamy finish and a hint of exotic flavor with ras el hanout, a fragrant Moroccan spice blend. Here’s how to make this simple and delicious pumpkin soup that your family, toddlers included, will love.
Ingrediants
If you can’t find ras el hanout, feel free to substitute with your favorite warming spice, such as cumin or cinnamon, for a slightly different flavor profile.
1 summertime pumpkin
1 onion
5 garlic cloves, peeled whole
4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup of water (optional, adjust to desired consistency)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon of ras el hanout
1 cup of almond milk (for a creamy finish)
- Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Start by peeling the pumpkin. Carefully cut off the skin and scoop out the seeds. Once peeled, chop the pumpkin into cubes. Set aside.
- Cook the Base:
- In a large pot, place the pumpkin cubes, whole peeled onion, garlic cloves, and the vegetable or chicken broth.
- Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, leaving the pot uncovered.
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer rapidly for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend to Perfection:
- After the soup has simmered, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Once cooled, carefully transfer the soup to a blender (I like to use my NutriBullet) and blend until smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add up to 1 cup of water as you blend.
- Finish on the Stove:
- Pour the blended soup back into the pot and return it to the stove.
- Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add Creamy and Flavorful Finishes:
- Stir in the almond milk, and season with salt, pepper, and ras el hanout to taste. Give it a final stir and let the flavors meld together for a few minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm. This pumpkin soup pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread for dipping.
This pumpkin soup is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and a touch of spice to warm you up. Enjoy!