As the weather turns cooler, there’s no better time for a bowl of Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Spiced Croutons. This soup is rich and velvety with the sweetness of pumpkin and aromatic spices, while the croutons add a delightful crunch.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 small pumpkin (or 4 cups canned pumpkin puree)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
For the Spiced Croutons:
- 2 cups cubed day-old bread (sourdough or French baguette)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Soup Base: Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the spices and cook for another minute.
- Cook the Pumpkin: Add the pumpkin (or puree), vegetable broth, and simmer until tender. Blend until smooth.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in cream, season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Spiced Croutons: Toss bread cubes with oil and spices, then bake until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, top with croutons, and garnish with herbs.
This Pumpkin Soup is the epitome of fall comfort food, with spiced croutons bringing an extra touch of flavor and crunch.