Velvety Curried Coconut Pumpkin Soup
Warm your heart and soul with this vibrant and creamy curried pumpkin coconut soup. The rich flavors of coconut milk blend seamlessly with the sweetness of fresh or canned winter squash, while the aromatic spices and fresh herbs create a delightful depth. Optional chickpeas add a satisfying texture, transforming this soup into a full meal. Perfect for chilly evenings, serve it over rice or with toasted seeds for an added crunch. This dish is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a wholesome, nutritious option that nourishes your body. Enjoy the cozy comfort of every bowl!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
coconut oil
1 tablespoon (melted)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon (fresh)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
pumpkin puree or pureed butternut squash
4 cups (fresh or canned)
chickpeas
15 ounces (well rinsed and drained (optional))
low fat coconut milk
1 (15 ounce) can (canned)
low-sodium low-fat chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups (liquid)
fish sauce or soy sauce
2 tablespoons (to taste (use mushroom-flavored for vegetarians))
lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
red curry paste
1-3 teaspoons (to taste)
brown sugar
1 teaspoon (to taste)
parsley, basil, or scallions
4 tablespoons (chopped, divided)
shredded coconut
4 tablespoons (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the onions are translucent and tender.
3
Incorporate the pumpkin puree (or pureed butternut squash) into the pot. Using an immersion blender, blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
4
If you are using chickpeas, add them at this stage and gently mix them in.
5
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the fish sauce (or soy sauce), lime juice, red curry paste, and brown sugar.
6
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Stir in 2 tablespoons of the chopped parsley, basil, or scallions just before serving.
8
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing each serving with toasted shredded coconut and the remaining herbs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Curried Coconut Pumpkin Soup?
It is a creamy, vibrant soup featuring pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and aromatic spices like red curry and ginger.
Can I use fresh pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 4 cups of fresh pumpkin puree or even pureed butternut squash as a substitute.
How do I make this soup vegan?
To make it vegan, use vegetable broth and substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or mushroom-flavored soy sauce.
How spicy is this soup?
The spiciness depends on the amount of red curry paste; you can adjust from 1 to 3 teaspoons based on your preference.
What do the chickpeas add to the soup?
Chickpeas are an optional addition that provides a satisfying texture and boosts the protein content of the meal.
What should I serve with this pumpkin soup?
It is excellent served over rice or accompanied by toasted seeds and fresh herbs for added crunch.
How do I get the soup to be velvety?
Use an immersion blender to blend the pumpkin and sautéed aromatics until the mixture is completely smooth.
Why is coconut oil used in this recipe?
Coconut oil complements the flavors of the coconut milk and red curry paste used in the soup.
Can I use low-fat coconut milk?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one 15-ounce can of low-fat coconut milk to keep it light yet creamy.
How long does the soup need to cook?
Once all ingredients are combined, the soup should simmer gently for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the best herbs for garnish?
Toasted shredded coconut and fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or scallions make perfect garnishes.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Fresh grated ginger is preferred for its aroma, but ground ginger can be used in a smaller amount if necessary.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, provided you use a gluten-free broth and ensure your soy sauce or fish sauce is certified gluten-free.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves to provide a flavorful and aromatic base.
What does lime juice do for the flavor?
Lime juice provides a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin and the richness of the coconut milk.
Can I replace the brown sugar with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar as a natural sweetener substitute.
What kind of broth is recommended?
Low-sodium, low-fat chicken or vegetable broth are both suitable options for this recipe.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, the soup stores well and often tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to develop.
How should I store the leftovers?
Place the soup in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Is the soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months; simply thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I toast the shredded coconut?
Stir shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until it becomes golden brown and fragrant.
Can I use a standard blender instead of an immersion blender?
Yes, if you do not have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender in batches, being careful with the hot liquid.
Is this a healthy soup option?
Yes, it is a nutritious option filled with vitamins from the pumpkin and healthy fats from the coconut milk.
Can I use butternut squash instead of pumpkin?
Absolutely, pureed butternut squash is an excellent alternative that maintains the soup's creamy texture.
When should the fresh herbs be added?
Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs just before serving and use the remainder for garnishing.
How can I adjust the soup's consistency?
Add more broth for a thinner soup or simmer it longer without a lid to thicken the consistency.
What is the role of fish sauce in this recipe?
Fish sauce adds a savory umami depth that is characteristic of Southeast Asian cuisine.
Can I add extra vegetables to this soup?
Yes, vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions for extra heartiness.
How much curry paste should I start with?
Start with 1 teaspoon and taste; you can add up to 3 teaspoons if you prefer a more significant heat level.
Can I use full-fat coconut milk for a richer soup?
Yes, for a richer and creamier result, you can substitute the low-fat coconut milk with a full-fat version.