Curried Pumpkin Soup

This post has been updated for photographs and content since it’s original publication in 2014.

If you love curry and want an easy seasonal fall soup recipe, this is the one. Curried Pumpkin Soup uses real roasted pumpkin, delicata squash, butternut squash, fennel and apples for a creamy pumpkin soup that’s layered with flavor and as smooth as velvet. Customize this roast pumpkin soup by using your favorite curry powder.  Try sweet or medium Maharaja styles or even hot curry powder for a spicy pumpkin soup that leaves a tingle on your tongue.

There is nothing so seasonally alluring as a rich, creamy roast pumpkin and squash soup. This simple recipe is one my husband RAVES about and I usually make a version of it at least twice every fall. I use classic fall gourds for this soup, like delicata squash, butternut and sugar pumpkins.

Are sugar pumpkins the same as jack-o-lanterns?

No. Though you can eat jack-o-lanterns, the flesh tends to be stringy and watery and not as good for eating. Sugar pumpkins are smaller, sweeter and less stringy and fibrous. They’re ideal for pies and work particularly well in creamy pumpkin soups like this.  

The easy way to prepare pumpkins and squash for soup

Pumpkins and squash can sometimes be a bit unruly and difficult to work with. I used to start my squash soups by peeling the individual squash, removing the seeds and dicing them into small chunks to sauté. However, this method invariably tempts fate.

I can’t tell you the number of times, the pumpkin or butternut squash would slip and I’d end up with a gash in my finger. Or the squash was too big to hold in one hand while peeling with the other (#lilliputianfingers).

Why roast the pumpkin and squash?

I’ve learned the hard way that the best method to prep squash and pumpkin is to ROAST IT FIRST. No peeling. No chopping. Just slice the pumpkin and squash in half, scoop the seeds and plunk down on a baking sheet to cook. 

The flesh gets super soft and makes it so much easier to scoop out and add to the soup.

Don’t burn yourself

Obviously, you’ll want to let the pumpkin and squash cool a bit before handling. (You don’t want to burn yourself on a steaming hot curcubita).

What you need for this curried pumpkin soup recipe

All you need for curried roast pumpkin soup are simple seasonal squash and veggies with a few pantry staples and spices. Here’s the list:

• Sugar Pumpkin
• Delicata Squash
• Butternut Squash
• Apple
• Onion
• Fennel
• Carrots
• Olive Oil
• Cumin Powder
• Curry Powder
• Turmeric
• Kosher Salt
• White Pepper
• Vegetable Stock
• Maple Syrup
• Orange Juice
• Light Cream

What’s the best curry powder to use for curried pumpkin soup?

It really depends on your personal tastes. I get my curry blends from Penzey’s Spices. They’re inexpensive and the flavors are amazing.

• Sweet Curry – gives a mild sweet flavor. You may not need as much maple syrup if using sweet curry.
• Maharaja Curry Powder – has a little more depth and spice, more of a medium blend that goes really well in this roast pumpkin soup.
• Hot Curry Powder – has a serious kick and will make your mouth tingle from the first bite. I used hot curry in this batch. 

How to make roasted pumpkin soup

1. 1. Halve the squash and pumpkins and scoop out the seeds. Brush the halves with olive oil and roast, flesh side down until tender.
   2. While the pumpkin and squash roast, chop the aromatics (onions, fennel, carrots, apples) and sauté them in a heavy pot or dutch oven until tender. 
   3. Add the ginger, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, kosher salt, white pepper and stir to combine. Cook for a minute or two until very fragrant. 
   4. Scoop the flesh from the pumpkin and squashes and add to the pot.
   5. Stir in the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes so the flavors can develop.
   6. Puree the soup with a stick blender or work in batches with a regular blender or food processor until the soup is smooth and creamy.
   7. Stir in the orange juice, maple syrup and cream. Taste for seasonings and adjust as necessary.

What’s the best stock to use for curried pumpkin soup?

If you’re using store-bought (nothing wrong with that) I recommend a low sodium vegetable (or chicken) stock. Many regular store-bought broths are loaded with extra sodium and can over salt the dish. Look for stock or broth that has less than 300 mg of sodium… Remember you can always add more, but it’s tougher to take it away.

Want a good homemade stock recipe? Try one of these:

• Scraps Vegetable Broth
• Easy Rotisserie Chicken Stock

 

As you can see, this soup comes together pretty quickly. It’s just a matter of roasting the pumpkins and squash, sautéing the vegetables with the curry powder and spices and simmering with a bit of broth. A quick blend and you’re ready to eat.

What are the extras for?

You may be wondering about the maple syrup, cream and lime juice… They seem like disparate flavors, what are they for? Their purpose is twofold.

Flavor. Despite the odd-sounding combo, they really do work – the maple syrup adds an earthy sweetness, cream amplifies the richness and satiny mouth feel and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving, balances the richness and adds depth.

Tempering. These ingredients have another function — mediating the spice. Each works differently and together they work in concert. 

1. Add something sweet – like the maple syrup that’s already in the recipe. Sweets (like syrup, honey or sugar absorb the spiciness and help to quell the fire. 
2. Add cream or milk – because capsaicin is fat soluble, adding milk or cream will help ease the burn.
3. Add an acid – Ingredients like lemon or lime juice or even vinegar help to neutralize the pH levels in spicy foods.

The flavors in this curried pumpkin soup really POP. Spices hit every part of the tongue and the velvety texture is so lush and creamy, you’d think you were in a fancy restaurant.

What to serve with curried squash and pumpkin soup:

I like to garnish this soup with some of the seasonings that have already gone into it. 

• Maple syrup – just a drizzle or drop.
• Cream – swirl it in for a pretty effect.
• Lime juice – a squeeze adds a bright, fresh pop to the soup and plays well with the curry and cumin flavors.
• Croutons or Fried Oyster Crackers
• Roasted squash or pumpkin – About a tablespoon of roasted caramelized squash for each serving (diced finely). 
• Fennel fronds – (just a few of the reserved fronds, scattered over the top).
• Fresh herbs – parsley, mint or cilantro will add a brightness to the soup.

The time is now to make your own creamy batch of curried pumpkin and squash soup. 

You May Also Like These Creamy Fall Soups:

• Ham Bone Split Pea Soup
• Fennel and Leek Soup with Mushrooms
• Cream of Tomato Soup with Orzo
• Best Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
• Curried Carrot and Parsnip Soup
• Apple Butternut Bisque
• Thai-Style Squash Soup

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