Nicole MacPherson: Meatless Mummy Con Carne

Sep
30
2023

Creamy Pumpkin Bisque

A SOUP TO WARM YOUR SOUL

Pumpkin Soup that's good for your soul

I don't know what it's like where you are, but where I live the mornings are cold and frosty, and even the sunny afternoons feel cold. I love a lot of things about fall - the boots and sweaters and scarves, the colours of the leaves against the bright blue skies, cups of cinnamon tea and the urge to bake everything. The thing I don't like about fall - other than it's the brief segue into a long winter - is that I'm cold. Every year at this time my hands are freezing and I'm constantly chilled, trying to acclimatize to the sudden sharpness in the air. 

All of which is to say that lately, I'm craving soup.

This pumpkin soup is perfect for those chilly fall days; it's thick and hearty and is a meal on its own. I love to serve this topped with pumpkin seeds or croutons, with a warm-from-the-oven slice of crusty bread. It's the edible equivalent to a cozy blanket and fuzzy slippers: warming, comforting, and good for the soul.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups pumpkin puree
4 cups vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 cup cashew cream (or heavy cream)
 

Directions

  In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and saute until browned and softened, about ten minutes.

  Stir in pumpkin puree, vegetable stock, salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup, and cook until heated through.

  If you prefer a smooth bisque, use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender) and blend until smooth.

  Stir in cashew cream (or heavy cream) and serve, topped with pumpkin seeds or croutons.

 Want more soups that are good for your soul? Try my Spicy Black Bean Soup, my Grandma's Creamy Tomato Soup, or my Butternut Squash Soup.