Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 500 g pumpkin, diced
• 2 medium onions (150 g), chopped
• 1 medium carrot (80 g), chopped
• 2 medium potatoes (150 g), diced
• 200 ml cream (20% fat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Garlic Herb Croutons:

• 100 g white bread, cubed
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 20 ml vegetable oil
• 0.5 tsp Provencal herbs
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt

Steps to Make Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Garlic Herb Croutons

1. Prepare the Vegetables for the Soup:
   • Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
   • Add the chopped carrot and potatoes to the pot, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes.
   • Add the diced pumpkin, salt, and pepper to taste, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Simmer the Soup:
   • Pour enough water into the pot to cover the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender.
3. Prepare the Garlic Herb Croutons:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with minced garlic, vegetable oil, Provencal herbs, paprika, and salt. Toss well to coat the bread evenly.
   • Spread the seasoned bread cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
4. Blend the Soup:
   • Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup, leaving some vegetable pieces intact. If you’re using a regular blender, blend the soup in batches.
5. Add the Cream and Adjust Seasoning:
   • Stir in the cream and gently heat the soup over low heat, without boiling, to bring everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve the Soup with Croutons:
   • 1. Spicy Kick:
        • Add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne to the soup for a gentle heat that contrasts with the pumpkin’s sweetness.
     2. Herb and Spice Options:
        • For a hint of warmth, add cinnamon, nutmeg, or curry powder. Fresh thyme or sage brings a savory note that complements the pumpkin.
     3. Extra Garnishes:
        • Top with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, a drizzle of pumpkin seed oil, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for color.Ladle the creamy pumpkin soup into bowls, garnish with the garlic herb croutons, and enjoy warm.
          

          Recipe Details

          1. Pumpkin Soup Base:
             • Pumpkin Options: Sugar pumpkins or butternut squash are ideal for their naturally sweet flavor and smooth texture when puréed. Roast them beforehand to deepen the flavor.
             • Aromatics: Sautéed onions and garlic form the soup’s base. A touch of ginger or nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice, enhancing the pumpkin’s sweetness.
             • Creamy Element: Add heavy cream, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt for a luscious consistency. Coconut milk adds a hint of tropical flavor, while cream makes it rich and smooth.
             • Broth: Use vegetable or chicken broth to achieve the right consistency without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
          2. Garlic Herb Croutons:
             • Bread Selection: Use crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, cut into cubes for a chewy interior with a crisp exterior.
             • Herb Mixture: Toss bread cubes in olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory note that pairs well with the pumpkin.
             • Baking Method: Bake croutons at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.

          Cooking Tips for the Soup

          1. Roasting the Pumpkin:
             • Roast pumpkin or squash pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes. This caramelizes the pumpkin, enhancing its natural sweetness and flavor depth.
          2. Blending for a Smooth Texture:
             • Once all ingredients are combined, purée the soup with an immersion blender or in a countertop blender for a silky texture. Strain if you prefer an ultra-smooth soup.
          3. Finishing Touches:
             • Stir in the cream or coconut milk after blending to prevent it from curdling, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon if desired.

          Flavor Variations

     1. With the Croutons:
        • Sprinkle garlic herb croutons on top just before serving to keep them crunchy. They add a wonderful texture to each bite of creamy soup.
     2. Pairing Ideas:
        • Serve with a fresh side salad or alongside a sandwich, such as grilled cheese or turkey and cranberry for a hearty meal.

     Storage and Reheating

     • Storage: Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Croutons keep best at room temperature in an airtight container.
     • Reheating: Reheat the soup gently over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened. Croutons can be crisped up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 270 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Sugar: 8 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cream? Yes, heavy cream or half-and-half can be used if you prefer a richer or lighter texture.
2. Can I make this soup vegan? Yes! Substitute the cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a vegan version.
3. How do I store leftover soup? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. What other herbs can I use for the croutons? You can try Italian seasoning, thyme, or rosemary for a variation in flavor.
5. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, the soup freezes well. However, add the cream after thawing and reheating for the best texture.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Pumpkin Soup

1. Use Fresh Pumpkin: Fresh pumpkin offers the best flavor, but you can also use canned pumpkin puree in a pinch.
2. Add the Cream Last: Adding cream after blending keeps it from curdling and maintains the soup’s smooth texture.
3. Blend Carefully: If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly and blend in batches to avoid splattering.
4. Make the Croutons Crispy: Bake the croutons until golden and crispy for the perfect texture contrast with the creamy soup.
5. Serve Warm: This soup is best enjoyed warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Storage Tips

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• In the Freezer: Freeze the soup (without cream) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Add the cream after reheating.

Conclusion

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Garlic Herb Croutons is a comforting, nutritious dish that highlights the natural flavors of pumpkin, potatoes, and aromatic spices. This soup’s creamy texture pairs beautifully with the crispy garlic herb croutons, making it a wonderful meal for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a starter or a light lunch, this recipe brings together rich flavors and a satisfying crunch, creating the perfect balance of warmth and comfort. Enjoy each spoonful with a piece of crusty bread, or serve it as a hearty meal for family and friends!