Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pumpkin, peeled and diced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pumpkin, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced pumpkin to the pot and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme, dried sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through.
7. 7.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the creamy pumpkin soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pumpkin — Make sure to choose a pumpkin variety that is suitable for cooking, such as sugar pumpkins or butternut squash. Their flesh is sweeter and creamier, perfect for this soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk.
• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic croutons for a satisfying crunch.
• To make it more filling, you can add cooked bacon or roasted pumpkin seeds as a garnish.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the soup.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy pumpkin soup as a starter for a cozy Italian dinner. Pair it with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in elegant soup bowls or small pumpkin-shaped bowls for a festive touch.