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Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

This simple yet soul-satisfying recipe uses local ingredients and delivers a rich, velvety texture with just the right balance of sweet and savoury.
Print Recipe
Cook Time 1 hour
Course: Soup
Cuisine: East African, Kenyan
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1 kg Pumpkin Peeled and diced
  • 1 Large Onion Chopped
  • 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger Grated
  • 1 1 Cooking oil or butter
  • 1 tbsp Ground cumin Optional
  • 1 tsp Thyme Dried
  • 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

Equipment

  • 1 oven

Method
 

  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.

Notes

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 you will Love 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.