Savory Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon
This delightful and creamy soup combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and kumara (sweet potato) with the savory richness of bacon and a hint of curry spice. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a flavorsome starter, it's inspired by chef Alison Holst’s recipe from New Zealand. It brings together traditional flavors in a modern twist, offering a fusion of warmth and comfort. Ideal for family meals or gatherings, this soup is a blend of sweetness and savory goodness topped with crispy bacon bits for an extra crunch.
4
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
pumpkin or butternut squash
500 g (peeled, seeded, cubed)
bacon
3 slices (cut into short strips)
butter
2 tablespoons (divided)
onions
2 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
curry powder
1 teaspoon
kumara
1 medium (cut into 5cm/2-inch cubes)
water
2 cups
extra water, milk, or cream
as needed (for thinning)
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut into 5cm (2-inch) cubes.
2
Slice the bacon into short strips.
3
In a large soup pot, brown the bacon over moderate heat. If needed, add some of the butter to prevent sticking. Once crispy, remove half of the bacon and set aside for garnishing.
4
Add the remaining butter to the pot along with the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and curry powder. Cook until the onions are translucent and lightly browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5
Add the cubed pumpkin, kumara, and 2 cups of water to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil.
6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the pumpkin and kumara are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
7
Remove the pot from the heat. Use a food processor or blender to puree the soup, or mash the vegetables with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
8
If the soup is too thick, thin it with additional water, milk, or cream until the desired consistency is reached. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
9
Serve the soup hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon strips.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
22g
Carbs
6g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup?
It is a creamy, flavorful soup that blends pumpkin and kumara with savory bacon and a touch of curry spice.
What is kumara?
Kumara is the New Zealand term for sweet potato, which adds a distinct earthy sweetness to the soup.
Can I use butternut squash instead of pumpkin?
Yes, the recipe specifically allows for either pumpkin or butternut squash.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The soup contains about 22g of fat per serving.
Is there a lot of protein in this recipe?
Each serving contains 6g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the soup contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 2.5g of fiber.
How much pumpkin is required for the recipe?
You will need 500 grams of pumpkin or butternut squash.
How much bacon is used?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of bacon, cut into short strips.
What size should the pumpkin and kumara cubes be?
The vegetables should be cut into approximately 5cm (2-inch) cubes.
How long should the vegetables simmer?
The pumpkin and kumara should simmer for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
How do I achieve a smooth texture for the soup?
You can use a food processor or blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Can I make the soup chunky instead of smooth?
Yes, you can mash the vegetables with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
What if the soup is too thick after pureeing?
You can thin it with additional water, milk, or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
What is the purpose of the curry powder in this recipe?
A teaspoon of curry powder adds a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
How should I prepare the bacon?
Brown the bacon in a pot until crispy, then set half aside for garnishing at the end.
Do I need to peel the pumpkin and kumara?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify peeling the pumpkin and kumara before cubing them.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and use a plant-based butter or oil.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What type of liquid is used for the base?
The base is made using 2 cups of water, which can be supplemented with milk or cream for thinning.
Who is the chef that inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by chef Alison Holst from New Zealand.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a comfort food and is ideal for cozy dinners.
How many onions are required?
You will need 2 finely chopped onions.
Can I use butter to cook the bacon?
The recipe suggests adding butter if needed to prevent the bacon from sticking to the pot.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste after the soup has been pureed and thinned.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it ideal for family meals or social gatherings.
What should I use as a garnish?
Garnish the soup with the reserved crispy bacon strips for extra crunch.
Does the recipe include sugar?
The recipe does not include any added sugar, as the sweetness comes naturally from the pumpkin and kumara.