Fall is officially soup season at my house, and this Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup has become a new family favorite. It all started last year when I wanted to create a dish that was both cozy and vibrant. The result was this beautiful blend of creamy coconut milk, warming curry spices, and sweet pumpkin. It’s a dish that hugs you from the inside out and leaves you wanting more.
Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a soul-warming dinner, this simple soup is the perfect answer. It comes together quickly, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I can’t wait for you to experience this culinary adventure – the aromas alone are enough to transport you to a world of cozy comfort.
Why You’ll Love It
This Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup is more than just a soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Its creamy texture and the perfect balance of sweet and savory make it irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: This soup is ready in just over 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The blend of curry powder, garam masala, ginger, and garlic creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exotic.
- Creamy and Luxurious: The coconut milk adds a rich creaminess without any dairy.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with vegetables, this soup is a nutritious and filling meal. It’s naturally vegan!
Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy and vibrant Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup is a delicious blend of sweet pumpkin, warming curry spices, and rich coconut milk. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh cilantro for an extra touch of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
- 1 tablespoon mild curry powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 3 cups pumpkin puree
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened.
- Infuse with Spices: Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant. Stir in curry powder and garam masala.
- Build the Soup Base: Pour in vegetable stock, coconut milk, and pumpkin puree. Stir well.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional): Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree until smooth.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm, garnished with desired toppings.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use high-quality pumpkin puree and full-fat coconut milk. Adjust the amount of curry powder and garam masala to your spice preference. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to avoid splattering.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Soups
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
What You’ll Need
This Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup recipe is surprisingly simple, with ingredients you might already have on hand. Here’s what you need:
- Aromatics: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
- Spices: 1 tablespoon mild curry powder, ½ teaspoon garam masala
- Base: 3 cups vegetable stock
- Creamy Base: 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- Star of the Show: 3 cups pumpkin puree
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings: Toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh cilantro
Having high-quality pumpkin puree and coconut milk is key to creating a rich, flavorful soup. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different curry powders to find your perfect blend!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium cooking pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced small onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
Step 2: Infuse with Spices
Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 minced teaspoon of ginger to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon of mild curry powder and ½ teaspoon of garam masala. Continue stirring for approximately 15 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in 3 cups of vegetable stock, 1 (14-ounce) can of full-fat coconut milk, and 3 cups of pumpkin puree. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
For an extra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender or food processor to puree. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve warm, garnished with a dollop of coconut milk (or coconut cream) and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Here are a few tips to make your Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup even better:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of curry powder and garam masala to suit your spice preference. For a milder flavor, use less. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Coconut Milk Quality: Full-fat coconut milk creates the richest, creamiest soup. But you can use light coconut milk for a lower-fat version.
- Immersion Blender Magic: An immersion blender creates the smoothest soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Check out our recommended kitchen tools for some ideas!
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you like a touch of sweetness in your soup, add 1 tablespoon of sugar or maple syrup.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped red chili pepper along with the garlic and ginger for a spicy variation.
- Sweet and Savory: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar to add a touch of sweetness that complements the coconut curry flavors.
- Ginger Zing: Increase the amount of fresh ginger to 1 1/2 teaspoons for a bolder ginger flavor.
- Roasted Garlic Depth: Roast a whole head of garlic and use the cloves in place of the minced garlic for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Creamy Swirl: Stir in a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream before serving for a tangy twist and extra creaminess. For more inspiration, browse our desserts category – the flavor combinations might surprise you!
- Herby Infusion: Add a handful of chopped fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrients and a vibrant green hue.
Is this soup vegan-friendly?
This soup is naturally vegan, as it doesn’t use any animal products. It features coconut milk for creaminess and relies on vegetable stock for its base.
How should I store leftover soup?
You can safely store this soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze it for up to three months for longer storage.
What’s the best way to reheat the soup?
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Can I substitute butternut squash for pumpkin?
Yes, you can use butternut squash puree as a delicious alternative to pumpkin puree in this recipe.
How to Serve
This Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup is versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Simple Elegance: Serve it warm with a dollop of coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh cilantro. A swirl of olive oil is also delicious.
- Hearty Meal: Pair it with a side of crusty bread or naan for dipping. A simple salad makes it a complete meal.
- Creative Twist: Top with crumbled cooked bacon or crispy tofu for added protein and texture.
- Lunch on the Go: Pack it in a thermos for a comforting and satisfying lunch. Our lunch recipes page has plenty of other great soup and meal ideas!
- Party Starter: Serve it in small cups as an appetizer at your next gathering. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
That’s a Wrap
This Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of year. It’s packed with warm spices and creamy coconut milk. You won’t believe how easy this soup is to make. The result is a truly tasty bowl of goodness! If you’ve tried this recipe, let me know in the comments below! I always love to hear how things turn out. Share this on your social media!
Check out our other dinner recipes for more weeknight inspiration!
