Warm Up Kenyan Nights with This Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Add Pumpkin and Spices: Stir in the pumpkin cubes, cumin, and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes to combine the flavours.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!