Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Skip the tinned soup! This creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe uses roasted squash and warm spices for the ultimate, velvety autumn comfort food.

Pumpkin Soup Recipe: A Bowl Full of Autumn Flavour

 

As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the spectacular tapestry of golds, reds, and russets, there is an undeniable shift in the kitchen. Autumn is more than just a season; it’s a feeling. It’s the crisp scent of woodsmoke on the air, the comforting crackle of a fire, and the irresistible urge to trade light salads for hearty, warming comfort food.

This change calls for one iconic dish: Homemade Pumpkin Soup. Forget the thinly spiced, watery versions; this recipe is designed to be a luxurious, velvety experience, capturing the very essence of seasonal flavour you crave during this time of year.

 

Why This Roasted Pumpkin Soup is Your Ideal Autumn Recipe

In the quest for the perfect creamy squash recipe, many simply boil their pumpkin. We elevate the flavour by roasting it, which caramelises the natural sugars and creates a deep, nutty richness that cannot be achieved any other way. By roasting the pumpkin and garlic together, you lock in an irresistible sweetness and depth before the soup even hits the hob.

This is the quintessential easy homemade soup that celebrates the abundance of the autumn harvest. It takes the simple, earthy flavour of the pumpkin and blends it with savoury aromatics and just a hint of warm spices (nutmeg, ginger, and a touch of smoked paprika) to create a bright, beautiful orange bowl that perfectly mirrors the colours outside your window.

 

The Perfect Seasonal Starter

Whether you're hosting a supper party, a cosy bonfire night gathering, or simply seeking a comforting mid-week meal, this soup delivers. Topped with a stylish swirl of crème fraîche, crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and a light sprinkle of chilli flakes (just like the stunning picture that inspired this recipe!), it is a show-stopping appetizer or a fulfilling main course. It pairs perfectly with crusty sourdough bread and a glass of robust red wine. It’s truly the taste of a British autumn in a bowl.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

  • 1 medium (approx. ) Pie Pumpkin (or Butternut/Kabocha Squash)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 whole, unpeeled Garlic Cloves
  • cups () Vegetable or Chicken Stock
  • cup () Double Cream or Coconut Milk
  • tablespoons Olive Oil
  • teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

 

For the Garnish (as Pictured)

  • Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
  • Crème Fraîche or Double Cream for swirling
  • A pinch of Chilli Flakes or Aleppo Pepper
  • Fresh Herbs (e.g., Chives, Microgreens) for colour
  • Crusty Bread or Croutons for serving

Method

1) Roast the Pumpkin and Aromatics

  • Preheat your oven to (). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
  • Prep: Carefully cut the pumpkin in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Place the halves, cut-side up, on the baking tray. Drizzle with tablespoon of olive oil, and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the 4 whole, unpeeled garlic cloves to the tray.
  • Roast: Bake for to minutes, or until the pumpkin flesh is tender and the edges are slightly caramelised.

 

2) Build the Flavour Base

  • While the pumpkin roasts, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan or stockpot over a medium heat on the hob.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté for about minutes until soft and translucent.
  • Stir in the ground ginger, nutmeg, and smoked paprika. Cook for seconds until fragrant, then remove the pot from the heat.

 

3) Simmer and Blend

  • Combine: Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, use a spoon to scoop the soft flesh out of the skin and add it to the pot. Squeeze the softened, roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them as well.
  • Simmer: Pour in of vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a low simmer for minutes to allow the flavours to combine.
  • Blend: Use a stick blender (immersion blender) to blend the soup directly in the pot until it is completely smooth and velvety. (Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, blending until smooth.)
  • Finish: Stir in the double cream (or coconut milk). If the soup is too thick, add the remaining stock until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.

 

4) Garnish and Serve

  • Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
  • Drizzle a small amount of extra crème fraîche or double cream in the centre and use a spoon or skewer to create a decorative swirl.
  • Garnish generously with toasted pumpkin seeds, a pinch of chilli flakes, and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a Vegan/Dairy-Free Soup: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of double cream, and ensure you are using vegetable stock. The texture will be equally rich.
  • Best Pumpkin/Squash: Always use Pie Pumpkins (Sugar Pie) or baking squash like Butternut Squash or Kabocha for the best flavour and texture.
  • Storage: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, wait until reheating to add the cream.

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