Cream of Pumpkin Soup, also referred to as the Creamy Pumpkin Soup, is a thick, dense and creamy soup made with pumpkin as the main ingredient. The soup owes its smooth and creamy texture to white sauce, heavy cream and butter, used in it as the essential ingredients. The dish is popular for its mellow taste and it is considered one of the most delectable creamy soups.
Cream of Pumpkin Soup Recipe Overview
Ingredients Used: Ingredients generally used in the preparation of Cream of Pumpkin Soup include pumpkin (fresh or canned), broth (chicken or vegetable), bouillon, oil, milk, butter, heavy cream, white sauce and a light seasoning of salt and pepper. Peas, carrot, cabbage, onion, tomato and leeks (to name a few) are often added to the soup to make it more filling and flavorful. Chicken and ham are also added at times as some recipes suggest their use. Garlic, white pepper, cloves, cardamom, parsley, coriander, thyme, etc., are herb inclusions that make the preparation more aromatic and tasty.
Preparation: The Creamy Pumpkin Soup is a fairly easy preparation and it takes about 30 minutes to make 3 to 4 average sized servings. To make the soup, the pumpkin (and other meats and vegetables if used) are sautéed for a few minutes in oil or butter and then mixed with the white sauce, cream and more butter. The concoction thus obtained is blended for a few seconds and then transferred to a large pot along with all the other ingredients. Since the soup is traditionally cooked over direct heat, the pot is placed on a stove or hot plate and the contents are cooked till a rich, thick and creamy soup is obtained.
Popular Cream of Pumpkin Soup Recipe Variations
General variations of the traditional Cream of Pumpkin Soup include the vegan version, made by replacing all dairy products with olive oil and coconut without using any meats or chicken broth. The low-calorie, low-fat variant is made with light cream, margarine and boiled or baked vegetables and/or meats instead of those that are fried. The lactose intolerant-friendly version is made with coconut milk instead of dairy products like butter, milk and cream.
Regional variations of the soup are often made by adding herbs and spices that are locally available. Garlic is added to the soup to make it a home remedy for cold and flu.
Serving Suggestions
The Creamy Pumpkin Soup is usually served as an appetizer. More filling versions of the soup, however, can also be a part of the main course or even an entire meal. While the preparation is mostly served and consumed hot, it can be savored cold as well, especially in the summer months. Cheese, chopped parsley and croutons are a common garnish and the soup is often accompanied with toasted French or Italian bread on the side.
Nutritive Value
An average sized (100g.) serving of the creamy soup contains about 315 calories, 25.1 grams of fat and 6.5 milligrams of cholesterol.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup Trivia
The condensed Cream of Pumpkin Soup is often used as a base for casseroles and pasta dishes.