Easy Canned Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Canned pumpkin soup is one of those comforting, hearty dishes that makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a warm blanket on a cold autumn day. It’s simple to make, and even easier to enjoy. And when you opt for canned pumpkin, it becomes a game-changer in terms of convenience and flavor-while still allowing you to enjoy a bowl of fresh, vibrant, and creamy soup without hours of prep time.

Whether you’re a busy home cook or just looking for a way to take your fall flavors to the next level, this easy canned pumpkin soup recipe is a perfect option. It blends rich pumpkin with savory ingredients, creating a deliciously creamy base that can be served as a starter, side, or main dish. Plus, this soup is naturally vegan and can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs.

So, grab a can of pumpkin puree and get ready to dive into this cozy recipe.

Easy Canned Pumpkin Soup Recipe

This recipe will take you less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and most of the ingredients are pantry staples. It’s smooth, velvety, and full of the sweet, savory flavors that make pumpkin such a beloved fall ingredient.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 can (15 oz) of pumpkin puree: Choose pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: To sauté the aromatics and provide a rich base flavor.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that aromatic base, offering a savory note.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Gives a warm, earthy undertone that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, creating a balanced flavor profile.
• 4 cups vegetable broth: The liquid base for the soup. You can use chicken broth if you prefer.
• 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness, making the soup velvety.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To bring all the flavors together.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional): For a touch of fresh herbiness.

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add The Spices

   • Sprinkle in the ground cumin and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices. Let the spices cook for about 1 minute to release their oils and fragrance.

3. Incorporate The Pumpkin

   • Stir in the canned pumpkin puree, mixing it thoroughly with the spices and aromatics.
   • Pour in the vegetable broth and stir until the mixture is smooth.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together and gives the soup time to thicken slightly.

5. Add Creaminess

   • Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream. This step is where the soup gets its luxurious, velvety texture. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to heat through.

6. Season And Serve

   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed-add salt, pepper, or more spices if desired.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a drizzle of extra coconut milk for a beautiful presentation.
   • Serve hot, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Canned Pumpkin Puree

  Canned pumpkin is not only convenient but also incredibly nutritious. It’s packed with vitamins A and C, which promote healthy skin and boost your immune system. Pumpkin is also a rich source of fiber, helping with digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. Always opt for pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices you don’t need for this savory soup.

• Spices

  The beauty of spices like cinnamon and cumin in this soup is how they elevate the pumpkin’s natural sweetness while adding complexity. Cinnamon is a sweet spice that gives a cozy, warm flavor, while cumin adds a touch of earthiness, making the soup savory rather than overly sweet. This balance is key to the soup’s flavor profile.

• Coconut Milk Vs. Heavy Cream

  Both coconut milk and heavy cream are excellent choices for adding creaminess, but they each provide a different kind of richness. Coconut milk lends a subtle, tropical flavor and a slightly lighter texture, while heavy cream gives an ultra-smooth, indulgent feel. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk is the way to go, but if you want a richer, more decadent soup, then heavy cream is the winner.

• Vegetable Broth

  The broth is the liquid base that helps turn this puree into a soup. Opt for a high-quality vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if not vegan) for the best flavor. Homemade broth will give you the richest flavor, but store-bought is always fine for a quick and easy option.

Expert Tips

• Blending For Extra Smoothness

  If you want your soup to be extra silky, blend it with an immersion blender or a standard blender once it’s cooked. This step isn’t strictly necessary, as canned pumpkin is already quite smooth, but it’ll make the soup feel even more luxurious.

• Adjusting Consistency

  If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more broth or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency. If you want it thicker, cook it a bit longer to allow more liquid to evaporate.

• Perfect Seasoning Balance

  Taste and season your soup at the end of cooking to ensure it’s just right. Sometimes, a pinch of sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar can enhance the flavors, depending on your taste preferences. The sugar will help balance out any acidity from the tomatoes or broth, and vinegar can add a little punch to round out the flavors.

• Make It Spicy

  If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some red pepper flakes, or even a finely chopped fresh chili to the sautéing aromatics. It adds a whole new dimension of flavor that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.

Recipe Variations

• Roasted Pumpkin Soup

  If you prefer a more intense, caramelized flavor, you can roast fresh pumpkin and blend it into the soup instead of using canned. Roasting intensifies the sweetness and brings out deeper, richer flavors.

• Vegan Option

  Make this soup vegan by sticking with coconut milk for the creaminess and using vegetable broth. You can also top it with roasted pumpkin seeds or a handful of fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

• Spicy Pumpkin Soup

  Add more heat with a few extra spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or a pinch of turmeric for a savory, spiced kick. You can also toss in a few chopped jalapeños or use a splash of hot sauce to elevate the flavor.

• Add Vegetables

  To make this soup even more hearty, consider adding other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips. Just dice them up and add them to the pot when you sauté the onions. They’ll cook in the broth and add more depth to the soup.

Final Words

Canned pumpkin soup is not only a quick and easy meal to prepare but also a flavorful, comforting dish that you can make year-round. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy a bowl of rich, velvety pumpkin goodness in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s versatile enough for you to tweak it to your liking-whether you want it spicy, creamy, or filled with extra veggies.