Old Fashioned Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Few things are as comforting on a chilly autumn day as a warm bowl of pumpkin soup. Whether you’re using fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin, this old-fashioned pumpkin soup recipe is the ultimate fall comfort food. It’s creamy, rich, and infused with warm spices that highlight the natural sweetness of pumpkin.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make the best old-fashioned pumpkin soup ever, complete with tips you need to know. The simplicity of the ingredients and ease of preparation make this a go-to recipe for the fall season and beyond.

1. Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Soup Recipe (Yield: 6 Servings)

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free option)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups fresh pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and cubed (or 2 cups canned pumpkin purée, about 1 can [15 oz])

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for a hint of warmth)

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

• Croutons

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

• A drizzle of cream or olive oil

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin

If you’re using fresh pumpkin, start by peeling, seeding, and cubing it into small chunks. Aim for even-sized pieces so they cook evenly. If using canned pumpkin purée, you can skip this step entirely.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 3: Cook the Pumpkin

Add the pumpkin cubes (or canned purée) to the pot. Stir to coat the pumpkin in the butter and onion mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the pumpkin to soften slightly and absorb some flavor from the aromatics.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Spices

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the pumpkin pieces are very soft and easy to mash with a spoon.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Once the pumpkin is tender, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it becomes smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender, puree until silky, and return it to the pot. Be cautious with hot liquids—blend in small portions and allow some steam to escape.

Step 6: Add the Cream

Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and return the pot to low heat. Warm the soup gently for another 5 minutes, but do not let it boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of nutmeg for depth.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot pumpkin soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with your favorite toppings—try a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, crunchy croutons, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra richness. Finish with a few chopped herbs for color and freshness.

2. Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Pumpkin Soup

Choose the Right Pumpkin:

Sugar pumpkins (also called pie pumpkins) are ideal for soup because they have a naturally sweet and smooth flesh. Avoid large carving pumpkins—they’re watery and less flavorful.

Roast the Pumpkin for Extra Flavor:

For deeper flavor, roast the pumpkin cubes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25–30 minutes before adding them to the soup. This caramelizes the natural sugars and gives the soup a rich, nutty undertone.

Use Quality Broth:

A good broth forms the foundation of great soup. Use homemade or low-sodium store-bought vegetable or chicken broth for the best flavor balance.

Adjust the Creaminess:

For a thicker soup, use less broth or simmer a bit longer to reduce liquid. For a lighter version, increase the broth slightly or substitute half of the cream with milk.

Spice It Up:

Feel free to customize! Add a pinch of curry powder for warmth, a touch of cayenne for heat, or a bit of maple syrup for sweetness.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée is a convenient and delicious option. Just make sure you use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling (which contains sugar and spices).

Q2: How do I make the soup vegan?

To make this soup completely vegan, use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and coconut milk instead of heavy cream. The result will still be creamy, smooth, and flavorful.

Q3: How to Store & Reheat Pumpkin Soup?

Storing:

Refrigerate: Store leftover pumpkin soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

On the Stove: Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, you can add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

In the Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Q4: How can I thicken my pumpkin soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup turns out too thin, continue simmering it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a few tablespoons of mashed potato or a little cream cheese for instant body and richness.

Q5: What goes well with pumpkin soup?

Pumpkin soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a crisp green salad. For a festive meal, serve it as a starter alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or fall vegetables.

4. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

This old-fashioned pumpkin soup recipe is the ultimate fall comfort food, combining the creamy richness of pumpkin with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Whether you’re using fresh pumpkin for a more authentic flavor or canned pumpkin for convenience, this soup is always a hit. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, Thanksgiving , or your halloween night.

Read More: How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds or Pumpkin Pie Recipe