Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup for Cozy Evenings

Some evenings call for a warm bowl of soup and a generous slice of crusty bread. This roasted pumpkin soup brings together caramelized pumpkin, mellow garlic, and a splash of cream for a comforting meal with simple ingredients.

Roasting the pumpkin first adds depth, while a little smoked paprika gives the soup a gentle warmth.

Serves: 4 · Prep time: 15 minutes · Cooking time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 kg peeled, deseeded pumpkin, cut into 3 cm chunks

• 1 medium onion, cut into wedges

• 3 garlic cloves, skins on

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 750 ml vegetable stock, plus extra as needed

• 100 ml cream or unsweetened coconut milk

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Toasted pumpkin seeds, for serving

• Crusty bread, for serving

How to Make It

1. Heat the oven. Set it to 200°C conventional or 180°C fan.

2. Prepare the vegetables. Spread the pumpkin, onion, and unpeeled garlic on a large baking tray. Toss with the olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast until tender. Cook for 35–45 minutes, turning the pumpkin halfway through. Check the garlic after 25 minutes and remove it if soft. The pumpkin should be tender with golden edges.

4. Add the stock. Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins into a saucepan. Add the pumpkin, onion, and vegetable stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

5. Blend until smooth. Remove from the heat and use an immersion blender to blend the soup. Stir in the cream or coconut milk. Add more stock if you prefer a thinner consistency.

6. Finish and serve. Warm gently, taste, and adjust the seasoning. Ladle into bowls and finish with toasted pumpkin seeds and a small swirl of cream.

Make It Your Own

For a brighter finish, stir in a small squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Prefer a little heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes with the smoked paprika.

Butternut squash also works beautifully in place of pumpkin.

A Simple Serving Idea

Pair your soup with toasted sourdough rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. For something more substantial, add a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping.

What would you serve alongside your bowl? Share your favorite pairing in the comments!