Cream of Pumpkin Soup Recipe – Foodie Delights and Far-Away Places

This rich and Creamy Pumpkin Soup recipe Featuring a velvety blend of carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin, it's perfect for cool fall evenings. Quick and easy, if you only make one pumpkin soup recipe this fall, this one has to be a try!

Pumpkin soup in white bowl with coconut milk, pumpkin seeds and thyme on white counter with bowl of pumpkin seeds, kitchen towel and pumpkin in background.

Homemade Pumpkin Soup

When the cooler fall temperatures arrive, there's nothing better than warming up with a bowl of creamy pumpkin soup. What makes this recipe unique is the blend of delicious, hearty sweet potatoes, earthy pumpkin puree, and perfect carrots.

A splash of coconut milk and sour cream add a velvety smoothness to the broth, while the ginger and thyme give the soup a subtle warmth that ties everything together. It's the kind of soup that tastes like it's been simmering all day, but is ready in less than an hour. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main course, this is a recipe you'll use all season long.

If you like the smooth and creamy flavor of this easy pumpkin soup recipe, you might also like this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup and Healthy Sweet Potato Soup.

What will you like about this recipe?

Pumpkin flavor: This comfort soup has wonderful pumpkin flavor that will make it a new fall favorite to add to your soup repertoire.
Simple recipe: With just a few steps and a few simple ingredients, anyone can make a delicious creamy pumpkin soup recipe.
Creamy texture: The soup has an irresistibly creamy and smooth texture thanks to the addition of coconut milk and sour cream.
Versatility: You can serve this delicious soup as a perfect side dish or as a main dish with a crusty bread.

What was added to this soup?

Pumpkin puree: The main ingredient that gives the soup its rich pumpkin flavor.
Carrots, peeled and roughly chopped: Adds natural sweetness and color to dishes.
Sweet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped: Makes soup creamy and brings a hint of sweetness.
Onion, roughly diced: Adds subtle sweetness and flavor to soups.
butter: Adds rich flavor and helps cook vegetables.
Vegetable inventory: Use as a liquid base for soups to add flavor and maintain health.
Seasoning: We use a delicious combination of ground ginger, fresh thyme, bay leaf salt and black pepper.
sour cream: Makes the soup creamy and adds just the right amount of rich flavor.
Coconut milk: Provides extra richness and a slight sweetness to balance the flavors.

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Soup

Step 1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, chopped carrots, and sweet potatoes and sauté until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Add raw carrots, onions, sweet potatoes and butter to pan.

Step 2. Add the grated ginger, salt, pepper and bay leaf to the pot and stir well.

Add carrots, onions, sweet potatoes and butter to pot and cook.

Step 3. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Add the carrots, onions, sweet potatoes and butter to the pan and add the broth and spices.

Step 4. Remove bay leaf from pan. Add pumpkin puree and mix well.

There is a pile of pumpkin in the middle of the soup.

Step 5. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.

Place the pumpkin soup in the pot using an immersion blender.

Step 6. Add the sour cream and coconut milk and beat until desired creaminess. Adjust seasoning if needed.

For Cream of Pumpkin Soup, add cream to pan with wooden spoon.

Stir until well combined.

Pour the pumpkin soup into the pot with a wooden spoon.

Step 7. Pour the hot soup into a large bowl and top with the sour cream and coconut milk mixture. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and pumpkin seeds.

Pumpkin soup in white bowl topped with pumpkin seeds, thyme and coconut milk.

Cream of Pumpkin Soup Recipe – Foodie Delights and Far-Away Places

changes and substitutions

If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper. Relax because a little goes a long way.

You can also add other spices, such as a dash of curry powder or smoked paprika, to give it a unique flavor. For other warm fall spices, you can add a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Add other fresh herbs you have on hand, such as fresh sage, parsley or chives.

Consider using crispy bacon, caramelized onions or crunchy croutons as delicious toppings. Toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds are great for adding crunch.

A delicious way to add a little extra nutrition is to stir in other vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or some baby spinach leaves.

Of course, cheese makes everything better. You can mix in the goat cheese or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the cream soup before serving.

Pumpkin soup in white bowl with coconut milk, pumpkin seeds and thyme on white counter top with bowl of pumpkin seeds, pot of soup and pumpkin in background.

Important tips

To save a little time, prepare your vegetables the night before. Store them in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator until you're ready to make soup! This makes the cooking process smoother and faster.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer bag, leaving some room for expansion. It's best to freeze soups without any toppings or garnishes, as they tend not to freeze well. It freezes well for up to several months. When ready to serve, defrost and gently reheat on the stove.

The thickness of the soup can be easily customized by adjusting the amounts of sour cream and coconut milk to get your desired level of creaminess.

For a richer flavor, consider roasting the vegetables in a pan in the oven before adding them to the soup.

FAQ:

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a lighter option. Adjust the amount to your liking.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin puree?

certainly. Just make sure to blend the fresh squash in a stick blender or food processor until smooth.

Is pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?

This is different. Pumpkin puree is simply boiled and mashed pumpkin without any added ingredients. When you buy pumpkin puree, make sure the label says “100% Pure Pumpkin.” Pumpkin pie filling is a pre-mixed mixture that includes pumpkin puree along with added sugar and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

certainly. You'll want to substitute olive oil for butter, use vegetable broth or stock, and replace sour cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or vegan sour cream.

How can I make this soup more filling?

This is a hearty soup, but you can add cooked quinoa, lentils, or white beans to the soup for extra protein and fiber.

Pumpkin soup in white bowl with coconut milk, pumpkin seeds and thyme on top.

If you're looking for more one-pot recipes, check out these one pot meal I rounded up the 10 best ones for USA TODAY!

More delicious soup recipes

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, chopped carrots, and sweet potatoes and sauté until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable stock and add the grated ginger, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Mix well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Remove bay leaf from pan. Add pumpkin puree and mix well.
Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
Set aside enough sour cream and coconut milk to drizzle over the top, stirring in the sour cream and coconut milk to achieve your desired level of creaminess. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh thyme leaves and pumpkin seeds, and topped with the coconut milk and sour cream mixture.

This soup can be easily customized to achieve your desired level of creaminess by adjusting the amounts of sour cream and coconut milk.
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup.
Garnishing options can include pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of heavy cream, fresh thyme leaves, or a pinch of nutmeg.