As the Nairobi rains roll in and chilly evenings become the norm across Kenya, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of pumpkin soup to warm you from the inside out. This simple yet soul-satisfying recipe uses local ingredients and delivers a rich, velvety texture with just the right balance of sweet and savoury.
Whether you’re serving it as a starter or enjoying it as a main course with crusty bread or chapati, this creamy pumpkin soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or cream (optional for richness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pumpkin: If you have time, roast the pumpkin pieces in the oven at 200°C for 25-30 minutes for a deeper, richer flavour.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large sufuria, heat the oil or butter. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices: Stir in the pumpkin cubes, cumin, and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes to combine the flavours.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Using a hand blender or regular blender, purée the soup until silky smooth. Stir in the coconut milk or cream if using.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with roasted seeds or a drizzle of coconut cream.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with toasted bread, garlic naan, or chapati.
- Great as a starter for a three-course meal or a hearty light dinner.
Why Kenyans Are Loving It:
Pumpkin is abundant in Kenyan markets and this soup offers a delicious way to make the most of the season. It’s nutritious, budget-friendly, and can be easily adapted with spices or local herbs to suit your taste.
Perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings in, this pumpkin soup is more than just a trend—it’s comfort food at its finest.
Try it out and share your version with us on social media using #KenyaPumpkinSoup. We love to see what you’re cooking!
