Description
This Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish combining roasted pumpkin, coconut milk, and aromatic spices like red curry paste and ginger. Perfect for cooler days, it delivers a balanced blend of sweetness and warmth, enhanced with a hint of cayenne and lime leaves. The soup is pureed to a smooth consistency, offering a comforting and nutritious meal that can be garnished with fresh coconut milk and sautéed greens for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves (whole)
- 3 lime leaves (or substitute with lemongrass, or omit)
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1-2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 3½ cups roasted pumpkin or butternut squash, skin and seeds removed
- 1 can coconut milk (light or full fat)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- Sea salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
- Sautéed kale or other greens (optional)
Instructions
- Heat and sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the coconut oil. Add the chopped onion, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the whole garlic cloves, lime leaves, red curry paste, and grated ginger, continuing to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add pumpkin and liquids: Stir in the roasted pumpkin, breaking apart any large pieces, and cook for a few minutes to combine flavors. To prevent sticking, pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Add maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend the soup: Remove the lime leaves, then transfer the soup in batches to a high-speed blender. Puree until smooth and creamy. Return the soup to the pot, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra coconut milk and a few pinches of cayenne pepper. Optionally, serve with sautéed kale or other greens for added texture and nutrition.
Notes
- To roast pumpkin in advance: Place a whole pumpkin in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes to soften. When cool, slice into quarters, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for an additional 35-50 minutes until the flesh is tender. Let cool, then scoop out seeds and peel. Use the pumpkin flesh for the soup.
- This soup is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be made vegan by using appropriate veggie broth and ensuring no animal products are added.
- Adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240 ml)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg