There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day, especially when it’s paired with golden, crunchy bread topped with creamy avocado. This recipe brings together the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, the comfort of potatoes, the aroma of garlic and paprika, and the refreshing brightness of avocado toast with a sprinkle of seeds. It’s cozy, wholesome, and a dish that feels just as at home on a weeknight dinner table as it does at a holiday gathering. If you’ve been craving a hearty but healthy recipe, this one will quickly earn a permanent spot in your rotation.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
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2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
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2–3 medium fresh potatoes, peeled and diced
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2 cups pumpkin, peeled and cubed
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1 onion, chopped
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1 carrot, sliced
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1 fresh yellow bell pepper, diced
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2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
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1/3 cup (80 ml) cream
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Sunflower seeds, for topping
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Chia seeds, for topping
For the Avocado Toast:
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4 slices of fresh bread
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1 large ripe avocado
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Pinch of salt
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Directions
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Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
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Stir in the carrot, yellow bell pepper, pumpkin, and potatoes. Cook for about 3–4 minutes to release their natural flavors.
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Season with salt and sweet paprika powder, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
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Pour in the vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer it to a blender in batches. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Stir in the cream, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed.
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For the toast, lightly toast the bread until golden.
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In a small bowl, mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
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Spread the avocado mixture generously over the toast slices.
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Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds. Serve with avocado toast on the side for dipping or enjoying separately.
Nutrients (Approx. per serving, 4 servings)
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Calories: ~310
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Protein: 7 g
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Carbohydrates: 42 g
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Fat: 15 g
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Fiber: 8 g
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Vitamin A: 120% DV
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Vitamin C: 45% DV
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Potassium: 30% DV
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is all about balance. The soup is velvety smooth and naturally sweet thanks to pumpkin and carrot, but it’s grounded by the earthy taste of potato. Then you add in garlic, onion, and paprika for depth. The avocado toast takes things to the next level, offering creaminess, crunch, and richness. It’s comfort food without being heavy, and it has enough nutritional value to keep you satisfied without feeling weighed down. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners but elegant enough to impress.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Pumpkin soup has deep roots across many cultures. In Europe, it’s a staple of autumn cooking, especially in Germany and Eastern Europe, where pumpkins are harvested in abundance. In the U.S., pumpkin soup often shows up during fall festivals and Thanksgiving spreads. The pairing with avocado toast, however, is a modern twist. Avocado toast has become a global sensation in the last decade, bringing freshness and a touch of “modern café” style to classic comfort food. By merging the two, you get a dish that feels both timeless and trendy.
Ingredient Spotlight
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Pumpkin: A nutritional powerhouse full of vitamin A and antioxidants. It adds sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
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Potatoes: They thicken the soup naturally, creating a creamy texture without needing heavy cream.
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Yellow Bell Pepper: Adds brightness, vitamin C, and a subtle fruity note.
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Garlic and Onion: The base of nearly every good soup, building depth and aroma.
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Avocado: Creamy, rich, and full of heart-healthy fats, making the toast a perfect companion.
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Seeds (Sunflower and Chia): Not just garnish—these add crunch, protein, and extra nutrients.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem. Store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop—just warm it gently over medium-low heat and add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened. This soup also freezes well. For best results, freeze before adding the cream, then stir it in after reheating. The avocado toast should always be made fresh, but you can pre-toast bread slices and store them in a sealed container for quick assembly.
Common Variations to Try
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Swap the cream for coconut milk to make it dairy-free with a subtle tropical flavor.
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Add a touch of curry powder or cumin for a spiced, aromatic twist.
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Stir in fresh spinach or kale just before blending for added greens.
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Top the avocado toast with extras like cherry tomatoes, radishes, or even smoked salmon for more variety.
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Make it heartier by adding chickpeas or lentils into the soup.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish is versatile enough to pair with both drinks and side dishes. For beverages, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Chardonnay complements the creamy texture of the soup beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon, apple cider, or herbal teas like chamomile work well. On the table, pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Health Benefits
This recipe is proof that comfort food can be nutritious. Pumpkin and carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which supports eye health and boosts immunity. Potatoes provide steady energy through complex carbs, while avocado offers monounsaturated fats that are excellent for heart health. Seeds add plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals like magnesium. Put all of this together, and you’ve got a meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body.
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Conclusion
Creamy pumpkin and potato soup with avocado toast is a dish that checks all the boxes—comforting, nourishing, versatile, and stylish. It’s perfect for chilly autumn nights, cozy family dinners, or even entertaining guests with a creative and wholesome recipe. Whether you’re looking for something simple to meal prep or an elegant dish to impress, this recipe delivers. So, grab a spoon, a slice of avocado toast, and dig into one of the most satisfying meals you’ll ever make.