I'm excited to present you with my easy vegan pumpkin soup recipe using pumpkin puree. This simple soup proves to be the most warming, healthy, and nourishing meal on a chilly day. You can enjoy it as a wholesome breakfast, brunch, appetizer, light lunch, or cozy weeknight dinner.
First, start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and diced onion. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, or until onion is translucent, stirring occasionally. After that, add finely chopped ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, garlic, and sauté for additional 2-3 minutes.
Next, add pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and water. At this point, you can add 1-2 whole star anise (optional). Add it ONLY if you like its fragrant licorice aroma.Let it simmer, covered, on low-medium heat, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes (be careful not to let it burn, thick and creamy soups burn easily if you don't stir them frequently)Remove anise star (if using).Use an immersion blender to blend it immediately until silky and smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, use a regular blender to puree the soup. Make sure you allow it to cool down before transferring and blending in batches.
It’s best to enjoy it warm as a side, starter, appetizer, or a comforting meal for lunch or dinner. Serve with additional coconut milk garnished with pumpkin seeds, roasted hazelnuts, and dried cranberries. Store cooled leftovers for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Notes
You can easily make homemade pumpkin puree by blending roasted pumpkin in a blender or food processor. If you're short on time simply use store-bought pumpkin puree (NOT a pumpkin pie filling)
If you don't have small onion at hand simply use one half of a normal size onion.
You can substitute fresh ginger with the same amount of ground ginger, as well.
Keep in mind that the star anise's flavor is very strong, so don't leave it in the soup longer than 5-10 minutes. Remove it immediately after boiling the soup or don't use it at all if you are not a fan of its strong licorice flavor.
Never put hot liquids in your blender because it may create enough pressure to “blow” the lid off the top thus making a big mess in the kitchen. Let your soup cool before blending.
If your soup is too thick to your liking simply stir in more coconut milk or water and reheat on medium-low heat.