Embrace Autumn with a Classic Creamy Pumpkin Soup

As the leaves turn golden and the nights draw in, our palates start to crave the warm, comforting flavours of autumn. And what better way to welcome the season than with a bowl of velvety, rich pumpkin soup? This recipe embodies the heart of fall with its blend of spices, hearty pumpkin, and creamy texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small piece of ginger, grated (about 1 inch)

• 4 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish

• Pumpkin seeds or croutons for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: If using fresh pumpkin, peel and dice it. If using canned pumpkin, ensure it's pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.

2. Sauté Base Ingredients: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Pumpkin & Broth: Stir in the pumpkin puree and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. If using fresh pumpkin, ensure the pumpkin is tender before moving on.

4. Blend & Season: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a traditional blender in batches. Make sure the lid is on tight and be cautious of the hot liquid. Return the soup to the pot after blending.

5. Finish with Cream & Spices: Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and cloves (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes for the flavours to meld.

6. Serve: Pour the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and top with pumpkin seeds or croutons if desired. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal!

Enjoy your warm, creamy, and flavorful pumpkin soup!