Spicy Pumpkin Soup

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Cozy, comforting, and loaded with bold flavor, Spicy Pumpkin Soup is the ultimate autumn hug in a bowl. Creamy pumpkin meets a warming blend of spices and herbs, making every spoonful both smooth and spicy. It’s perfect for chilly nights or holiday starters and happens to be delightfully easy to whip up.

What truly sets this soup apart is its rich depth—a balance of sweetness from the pumpkin, heat from the spices, and velvety cream to bring it all together. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, grilled cheese cubes, or all on its own, it’s a meal you’ll want to revisit throughout the season.


What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

For the creamiest and richest texture, canned pumpkin puree is the easiest and most consistent choice. Make sure you choose 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. If you prefer fresh, sugar pumpkins (also known as pie pumpkins) can be roasted and pureed, offering a slightly more earthy flavor.


Ingredients for the Spicy Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show. Choose high-quality canned or fresh homemade puree for the best flavor.

Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add foundational depth and savoriness to the soup base.

Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds the signature creaminess that makes each spoonful lush and smooth.

Vegetable Broth: Helps to thin the soup while enhancing the savory flavor.

Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing and enriching the soup.

Spices (Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Nutmeg): These bring the heat, warmth, and complexity to the dish.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for rounding out all the other flavors.

Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Cilantro): Optional, but wonderful as a garnish to brighten each serving.

Bread Cubes or Grilled Cheese Squares: Optional topping for extra comfort and fun texture.

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How To Make the Spicy Pumpkin Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil or butter. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Pumpkin and Spices

Stir in the pumpkin puree along with cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute or two to deepen their flavor.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquid

Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir well and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until perfectly creamy and silky.

Step 5: Add Creamy Goodness

Return to the pot (if using a blender), then stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream. Heat gently for another 5 minutes without boiling.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle into bowls and top with grilled cheese cubes or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. A crack of black pepper and swirl of cream take it to another level.


Tips for Serving and Storing This Soup

Spicy Pumpkin Soup is best served warm and fresh, but leftovers store like a dream. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just omit the cream until you’re ready to serve.


What to Serve With Spicy Pumpkin Soup?

Grilled Cheese Croutons

The ultimate cozy topping. Simply cube your favorite grilled cheese sandwich and drop into your bowl for a delicious crunch.

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

The herby, earthy notes of these potatoes pair perfectly with the sweet heat of the soup. Try them here.

Parmesan Baked Potatoes

Crispy, cheesy, and hearty—these potatoes turn your soup into a full dinner. Get the recipe.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re craving creamy on creamy, this side dish will give you all the texture and richness you’re after. Check it out.

Apple Fritter Bread

Bring a touch of sweet contrast to the table. Moist, spiced, and fall-perfect. Here’s how to make it.


Want More Soup Ideas with a Kick?

If you love the heat and heartiness of this Spicy Pumpkin Soup, you’ll definitely want to try these warming favorites:


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Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a pinch of curry or crispy chickpeas on top? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.


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Spicy Pumpkin Soup

Spicy Pumpkin Soup


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Warm up your taste buds with this cozy and flavorful Spicy Pumpkin Soup. It’s a bold blend of creamy pumpkin, savory broth, and just the right amount of heat to make chilly evenings feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, a quick lunch, or healthy comfort food, this soup ticks every box. Packed with fall spices and smooth richness, it’s the kind of dish that makes it into your seasonal rotation year after year. Great for batch cooking, meal prep, or impressing dinner guests with minimal effort. A perfect option when browsing for food ideas, healthy snacks, or hearty dinner ideas.


Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

1 grilled cheese sandwich, cubed (optional topping)


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in the pumpkin puree, cumin, paprika, cayenne, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

3. Pour in the vegetable broth, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.

4. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches to blend until smooth.

5. Return to the pot if needed, stir in coconut milk or heavy cream, and heat gently for 5 more minutes.

6. Serve hot, topped with fresh herbs or grilled cheese cubes if desired.

Notes

For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of coconut milk.

Adjust the cayenne to your spice preference; start light and build heat gradually.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: spicy soup, pumpkin recipe, creamy soup, fall dinner, healthy comfort food

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