Classic Pumpkin Soup Recipe—a cozy, flavorful dish that brings a taste of Thanksgiving into any home.

Preparing a warm meal like this can help foster a sense of connection and care with your clients.  Cooking together or sharing a meal is an easy way to create meaningful interactions, all while providing nourishment. Plus, pumpkin soup is a wonderfully comforting dish often associated with fall and Thanksgiving, bringing festive cheer to the day.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium pumpkin (about 3-4 pounds) or 1 can (15 oz) of pureed pumpkin
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
• 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for a creamier texture)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: roasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin:
   If you’re using a fresh pumpkin, begin peeling, seeding, and chopping it into cubes. If you prefer a quicker option, use canned pumpkin puree (ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling). Both options work well, so choose whichever fits your time and preference.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
3. Add the Pumpkin and Broth:
   Add the cubed pumpkin to the pot and the vegetable broth if you’re using fresh pumpkin. Add the puree and broth and stir until combined if you’re using canned pumpkin. Bring everything to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
4. Blend the Soup:
   Remove the pot from the heat once the pumpkin is soft and cooked. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or you can carefully transfer it to a blender in batches. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Creaminess:
   After blending, stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) to add richness and creaminess. You can adjust the consistency by adding more broth if you prefer a thinner soup. Season with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Heat and Serve:
   Return the soup to the stove and heat it on low until it’s warm. Give it a final stir, and then ladle the soup into bowls.
7. Optional Toppings:
   To make the soup special, add some optional toppings like roasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of sour cream or yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

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Serving Tips:

Contact your care manager if you ever have a question about your client’s dietary needs.

If your client enjoys bread, pair this pumpkin soup with warm, crusty bread or a toasted baguette.

For those with dietary needs, this soup can easily be made dairy-free by substituting the coconut milk and omitting the cream toppings.

If the client enjoys more flavor, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.