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Pumpkin Soup

By Cybele Tamulonis, Contributing Writer

October 9, 2024

bread on plate with pumpkin soup in a small cut out pumpkin on a white plate. — Pumpkin soup served in a small gourd channels the movie “Shrek” with this recipe. Photo by Cybele Tamulonis.

Fall is here and it’s time to stock up on some comforting and soul-healing soups. This pumpkin soup recipe is infused with turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and carrots, which have a lot of protective antioxidants. This recipe is vegan, but you can swap out the veggie broth for chicken stock.

handheld blender smoothing pumpkin soup in a stainless steel bowl. — Use a handheld blender to smooth. Photo by Cybele Tamulonis.

Ingredients

- 1 3-5 lb. eating pumpkin (a smallish one – the larger they get the less flavor they have)
- 3-4 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- Olive oil to grease the pan (2 tablespoons)
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon chopped ginger root
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Halve your pumpkin and remove seeds (throw seeds in compost or roast)
2. Roast the pumpkin in a 350-degree oven for around 45 minutes
3. Remove, let cool, scoop out pumpkin meat and set aside
4. Add olive oil to the pan and sauté the onion, garlic and ginger (if using fresh)
5. Add carrots and pumpkin chunks
6. Add the turmeric, salt and pepper
7. Sauté for five minutes and then add the vegetable broth
8. Bring to a boil and then simmer for around 10 minutes
9. Let cool slightly and transfer to a heat-proof bowl
10. Carefully pulse with a hand mixer until smooth
11. Serve in bowls or small pumpkins

Pairs well with: Red wine, crusty bread.

Noshing Notes: Top with parmesan cheese, or even add a little hot pepper when cooking for an extra bite.

Waste Not, Want Not: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days. Bury inedible leftovers in cold compost.

Cybele Tamulonis, Contributing Writer

Cybele is a writer and editor with more than 16 years in the publishing industry. An avid reader, you can usually find her with the latest new book release from the local library. She currently resides on a farm in Hardwick with her husband and four children. In her spare time, she writes historical fiction specific to New Jersey.