Easy Pumpkin Soup with Fresh Basil
This Easy Pumpkin Soup with Fresh Basil is perfect recipe for those chilly autumn days. The combination of roasted pumpkin, fragrant spices, and creamy texture will warm you up from the inside out. It’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Is Pumpkin Healthy?
Pumpkin is not only a delicious ingredient in many recipes, but it is also incredibly healthy. Packed with nutrients, pumpkin is a great addition to any balanced diet. Let’s explore the health benefits of pumpkin and why you should consider incorporating it into your meals.
Nutritional Value
Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for weight management. It is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for supporting a healthy immune system, maintaining eye health, and promoting overall well-being.
Rich in Antioxidants
Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, which gives it its vibrant orange color. Antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to various chronic diseases. Including pumpkin in your diet can help boost your antioxidant intake and support optimal health.
Heart Health
The fiber and potassium content in pumpkin can benefit heart health. Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure. By including pumpkin in your meals, you can promote a healthy heart and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Eye Health
Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining good eye health and preventing age-related macular degeneration. Including pumpkin in your diet can support optimal vision and eye function.
Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin
There are numerous delicious ways to incorporate pumpkin into your meals. You can make pumpkin soup, roast pumpkin as a side dish, or even add it to smoothies for a nutritious boost. Additionally, pumpkin puree can be used as a healthier alternative in baking recipes.
Pumpkin is not only a tasty ingredient, but it is also incredibly healthy. With its impressive nutrient profile and numerous health benefits, pumpkin is a fantastic addition to any diet. So, the next time you see a pumpkin, don’t hesitate to grab it and start reaping its many rewards.
Ingredients:
- small pumpkin
- onion
- cloves of garlic
- olive oil
- vegetable broth
- salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- nutmeg
- cinnamon
- heavy cream, plus extra for garnish (optional)
- fresh basil chopped, plus extra for garnish (optional)
- toasted pumpkin seed for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and pulp. Cut the pumpkin into small cubes.
- Place the pumpkin cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the pumpkin in the oven for about 30 minutes or until tender.
- In the meantime, chop the onion and garlic.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the roasted pumpkin cubes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the nutmeg, and cinnamon. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped basil and heavy cream.
- Garnish the soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, drizzle of heavy cream and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.
Easy Pumpkin Soup with Fresh Basil for Fall Days
Serve the easy pumpkin soup as an appetizer or as a main course with some crusty bread on the side. This soup is also a great option for a Thanksgiving or Halloween gathering. The rich flavors and vibrant color will impress your guests. Give this delicious pumpkin soup a try and let it become a staple in your fall recipe collection!
Pumkin Soup with Fresh Basil Recipe
This Easy Pumpkin Soup with Fresh Basil is perfect recipe for those chilly autumn days. The combination of roasted pumpkin, fragrant spices, and creamy texture will warm you up from the inside out. It's easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 small pumpkin
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ cup of heavy cream, plus extra for garnish (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped, plus extra for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seed for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and pulp. Cut the pumpkin into small cubes.
- Place the pumpkin cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the pumpkin in the oven for about 30 minutes or until tender.
- In the meantime, chop the onion and garlic.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the roasted pumpkin cubes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the nutmeg, and cinnamon. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped basil and heavy cream.
- Garnish the soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, drizzle of heavy cream and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 208Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 1208mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 3g
Calories are estimated and may vary.
Thyme of Season is a contributor on Simply Cook’d. Looking for more pumpkin soup recipes? Take a look at our 12 Delicious Soups with Pumpkin to Make This Fall post.