This Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Garlic Croutons is a comforting and rich autumn dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. Combining the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the creaminess of potatoes, garlic, and spices, this soup is smooth, flavorful, and perfect for cozy evenings. The homemade garlic croutons add a delightful crunch, making it a well-rounded meal or appetizer that will impress your family and guests. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall.

Full Recipe:

 

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• Pumpkin – 1-1.2 kg (2.2-2.6 lbs)
• Potatoes – 3 medium (300 g)
• Onion – 1 medium
• Water – 0.5-1 liter (2-4 cups), depending on the desired consistency
• Carrots – 2 medium
• Garlic – 1 head (approx. 8-10 cloves)
• Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
• Butter – 1 tbsp
• Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, nutmeg, etc.) – to taste
• Cream (10% fat) – 500 ml (2 cups)

For the Croutons:

• Bread loaf – 1 loaf (about 300 g)
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
• Spices (garlic powder, herbs, salt) – to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Peel and cut the pumpkin into medium-sized cubes, discarding the seeds. This will be the base of the soup, so aim for even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Chop the Potatoes and Carrots: Peel the potatoes and carrots. Cut them into similarly sized cubes, about 2 cm (1 inch) each. The potatoes will add body to the soup, while the carrots provide sweetness.
3. Prepare the Onion and Garlic: Finely chop the onion. Peel the garlic cloves but keep them whole to add a rich, roasted flavor during cooking.

Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables

4. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the Pumpkin, Potatoes, and Carrots: Once the onions are cooked, add the pumpkin, potatoes, and carrots to the pot. Stir the vegetables and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
6. Add the Garlic: Throw in the whole garlic cloves. Garlic will infuse the soup with a deep flavor as it simmers.
7. Add Water: Pour in 0.5 to 1 liter of water, depending on how thick you want your soup. For a thicker soup, use less water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and cooked through.

Step 3: Blending the Soup

8. Season the Soup: Add salt, pepper, paprika, nutmeg, and any other spices you enjoy. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
9. Blend the Soup: Once the vegetables are soft, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. You can also use a regular blender, working in batches, but be careful with the hot liquid.
10. Add the Cream: Stir in 500 ml of cream, bringing a silky texture and richness to the soup. If the soup is too thick, you can add more water or cream to adjust the consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Preparing the Croutons

11. Cut the Bread: Cut the bread loaf into small cubes, about 2 cm (1 inch) in size.
12. Season the Croutons: In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and spices of your choice—garlic powder, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper.
13. Bake the Croutons: Spread the seasoned bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet. Bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Stir halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 5: Serving the Soup

14. Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot pumpkin soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, a drizzle of cream, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
15. Add Croutons: Top each serving with a handful of the homemade garlic croutons for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• Choosing the Pumpkin: For this recipe, use a sweet, firm-fleshed pumpkin, such as butternut squash or sugar pumpkin, as they provide a better flavor and texture.
• Adjust the Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can make the soup thicker by using less water or thinner by adding more cream or broth.
• Blending Tip: If using a regular blender, make sure to allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.
• Customize the Croutons: You can experiment with different spices or use garlic butter to add extra flavor to the croutons.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients and quantities used.)

FAQs:

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   • Yes, this pumpkin soup stores well. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
   • Absolutely! This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop.
3. Can I use other types of cream?
   • Yes, you can use heavy cream, half-and-half, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for richness.
4. What can I serve with this soup?
   • The garlic croutons are perfect on top, but you can also serve the soup with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a more filling meal.
5. Can I use a different vegetable instead of pumpkin?
   • Yes, you can substitute the pumpkin with butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or even carrots for a different flavor profile. The cooking method remains the same.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Garlic Croutons is a perfect meal for autumn and winter days. It is rich, warming, and filled with healthy vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for the whole family. The added garlic croutons bring a delightful crunch that complements the smoothness of the soup. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or as the main event, this pumpkin soup is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the flavors of the season and share this comforting dish with your loved ones!