Classic Pumpkin Soup with Spiced Croutons

This rich and creamy pumpkin soup is the ultimate fall comfort food. Made with fresh pumpkin and topped with crunchy, spiced croutons, it’s easy to make, beginner-friendly, and packed with cozy flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 medium pumpkin (about 2-3 lbs or 1 kg), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spiced Croutons:

• 2 cups cubed day-old bread (like baguette or sourdough)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp ground paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin

1. Peel and Cube the Pumpkin
   Start by peeling and removing the seeds from the pumpkin. Cut the pumpkin into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. (Tip: If peeling fresh pumpkin is too tough, you can soften it slightly by microwaving it for a few minutes.)

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the Olive Oil
   In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they become soft and translucent, stirring often to avoid burning.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

1. Add the Pumpkin and Broth
   Add the cubed pumpkin to the pot, followed by the vegetable or chicken broth.
2. Season the Soup
   Stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer Until Tender
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the pumpkin cubes are very tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

1. Blend Until Smooth
   Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Be careful with hot liquids and blend in small portions.)
2. Add Cream
   Stir in the heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Prepare the Spiced Croutons

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the Bread Cubes
   In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Bake the Croutons
   Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle the Soup
   Ladle the warm pumpkin soup into bowls.
2. Top with Croutons
   Garnish each bowl with a handful of the spiced croutons.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Soup:

• Roast the Pumpkin for Extra Flavor: For a richer flavor, roast the pumpkin cubes in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 25–30 minutes before adding them to the soup. This adds a subtle caramelization that enhances the soup’s natural sweetness.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, use half the amount of cream or substitute with milk. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk for a subtle tropical twist.
• Storage and Freezing: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months in an airtight container—just omit the cream before freezing and add it after reheating.
• For Added Spice: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of the pumpkin.

Enjoy this cozy pumpkin soup with the perfect hint of warm spices and the crunch of deliciously seasoned croutons! Ideal for chilly days, it’s a crowd-pleaser and simple enough for beginner cooks.