Description
This easy pumpkin soup recipe combines pumpkin puree, red lentils, and warm spices to create a rich and comforting soup perfect for fall and winter. Using simple ingredients and stovetop cooking, the soup is blended smooth and garnished with homemade croutons, roasted pepitas, and sour cream for added creaminess and texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 quart vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup red lentils
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup sour cream, plus more to serve (substitute Vegan Sour Cream or coconut milk for vegan)
Garnishes
- Homemade croutons
- Roasted salted pepitas
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Dice the onion and mince the garlic to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat a dry soup pot over medium heat without oil. Add the diced onions and cook for about 10 minutes until they are lightly browned and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Soup Ingredients and Simmer: Add pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, red lentils, cumin, oregano, ground ginger, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
- Blend the Soup: Carefully transfer the hot soup in batches to a blender. Add 1/4 cup sour cream to the blender and puree until smooth and creamy. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to preserve flavor and prevent blending mishaps.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the blended soup and adjust salt as needed, adding about an extra 1/8 teaspoon if necessary. Pour the soup into serving bowls and garnish with homemade croutons, roasted salted pepitas, and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the sour cream with vegan sour cream or coconut milk.
- Homemade croutons can be made by toasting cubed bread with olive oil and seasoning.
- You may add more broth to adjust the soup consistency to your preference.
- Be cautious when blending hot soup; blend in small batches and keep the lid slightly open with a towel over to avoid pressure buildup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
