Pumpkin Soup
Simmer sweet winter squash with onion, garlic, and broth until tender, then blend until velvety and stir in cream for a rich, comforting stovetop soup.
Equipment
- stick blender
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg / 2.4 lb pumpkin (any type) OR butternut squash, unpeeled weight
- 1 onion, sliced (white, brown, yellow)
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled whole
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth/stock, low sodium
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper
Finishes
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup cream, half and half or milk
Instructions
- Slice the pumpkin into 3cm / 2.25" pieces, remove the peel and seeds, then cut the flesh into 4cm / 1.5" chunks. Use a stable cutting board and work slowly through firm squash so the pieces stay even and manageable.
- Add the squash, sliced onion, whole garlic cloves, broth, and water to a pot, then bring the mixture to a boil uncovered. The liquid should sit just below the top of the squash rather than fully submerging it.
- Lower the heat and maintain a lively simmer for about 10 minutes. The squash is ready when a butter knife slides through a chunk with almost no resistance.
- Take the pot off the heat and blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth. For an upright blender, let the soup cool slightly, blend in small batches, and leave the lid vented with a towel held over it so steam can escape.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the cream, half and half, or milk. The soup should flow like warm heavy cream, and it should not return to a boil after dairy is added.
- Ladle into bowls and finish with a little extra cream, pepper, and parsley if desired. Serve while hot, when the surface is glossy and the flavor is at its fullest.
Notes
Texture tip: Test squash with a butter knife before blending. It should slide through effortlessly with no resistance.
Dairy handling: Stir in cream off the heat and avoid boiling afterward so the puree stays silky and does not split.
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze portions for 2 to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Loosen with a splash of water or broth if needed.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.