Fall is here, and there's no better way to embrace the season than with a steaming bowl of Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup. It's the perfect autumn comfort food that practically cooks itself in your trusty Instant Pot. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or an appetizer for your next gathering, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why You'll Love This Flavorful Soup
- Effortless Cooking. Making this soup is a breeze. Your Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, and you can focus on other things while it works its magic. No need to babysit the stovetop!
- Velvety and Flavorful. This soup boasts a luxurious, creamy texture and is bursting with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin. It's the very essence of fall in a bowl.
- Adaptable. Much like your favorite cozy sweater, this soup can be dressed up or down. Serve it as a humble weekday meal or as an elegant starter at your next dinner party.
- Freezer-Friendly. Love the idea of meal prepping? Make a big batch of this pumpkin soup and freeze leftovers for those nights when you crave something quick, satisfying, and, most importantly, delicious.
What Thickens Pumpkin Soup?
Pumpkin soup can be thickened using various ingredients and techniques. Here are some common ways to achieve a thicker consistency:
- Pumpkin Puree- Adding more pumpkin puree can naturally thicken the soup. It not only enhances the pumpkin flavor but also increases the thickness.
- Roux- A roux is a mixture of fat (usually butter) and flour that is used as a thickening agent in soups and sauces. You can make a roux and whisk it into your pumpkin soup to thicken it. Start by melting butter, adding an equal amount of flour, and cooking until it forms a paste. Then gradually whisk in your soup.
- Cornstarch Slurry- Mixing cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and then adding it to the simmering soup is another way to thicken it. Stir it in gradually and allow the soup to cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Heavy Cream- Cream can be added to both thicken and enrich the soup. It provides a creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
Why Is Pumpkin Soup So Sweet?
Pumpkin soup often has a naturally sweet flavor because of the inherent sweetness of pumpkins.
While pumpkin soup is typically sweet, the degree of sweetness can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. You can control the sweetness by using less sugar or sweet ingredients, reducing the amount of sweet spices, or balancing the flavor with savory elements like salt, pepper, or herbs. This allows you to create a pumpkin soup with the level of sweetness that you find most enjoyable.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe brings the beloved flavors of fall right to your bowl. Here's what you'll need:
- Pumpkin Puree- The star of the show, providing that luscious pumpkin flavor.
- Onion and Garlic- For that aromatic base, creating depth and complexity.
- Vegetable Broth- To infuse the soup with savory goodness.
- Heavy Cream- Adding luxurious creaminess.
- Butter- For a touch of richness and depth.
- Spices- A medley of ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne, bringing warmth and a hint of spice.
- Salt and Pepper- Essential for seasoning to perfection.
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds- For garnish and texture.
How To Make Pumpkin Soup
- Sauté the Aromatics. Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add the Spices. Sprinkle in the ground nutmeg, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute to toast the spices, releasing their flavors.
- Pressure Cook. Pour in the vegetable broth and pumpkin puree. Stir well to combine. Seal the Instant Pot, set it to pressure cook for 5 minutes, and let the magic happen.
- Naturally Release Pressure. After the cooking cycle, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. Then carefully do a quick release.
- Blend to Perfection. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's silky smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, then return it to the Instant Pot.
- Creamy Finish. Stir in the heavy cream and let it heat through, ensuring the soup is perfectly creamy.
- Serve and Garnish. Ladle your pumpkin soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a few pumpkin seeds for that extra touch of fall.
Tips And Tricks
Making Instant Pot pumpkin soup is a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy this comforting dish. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a delicious dish:
- Add Depth with Roasting- For an extra layer of flavor, roast the pumpkin before using it in the Instant Pot. Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, brush it with oil, and roast in the oven until tender. This caramelizes the sugars and enhances the taste.
- Balanced Seasoning- Pumpkin soup tends to be sweet, so balancing the flavors is crucial. Use a mix of savory ingredients like onions, garlic, and thyme to complement the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. A touch of heat from spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, or cayenne can also add complexity.
- Blend to Smooth Perfection. To achieve a silky-smooth texture, use an immersion blender directly in the Instant Pot. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a countertop blender, but be careful not to overfill it as hot soup can splatter.
Variations
Instant Pot pumpkin soup is a versatile dish, and there are numerous variations to suit your taste. Here are some creative ideas to add a twist to your soup:
- Curry Pumpkin Soup- Add a blend of curry spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander for an Indian-inspired flavor. Coconut milk complements this variation nicely.
- Thai Pumpkin Soup- Infuse your soup with Thai flavors by using ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, red curry paste, and coconut milk. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Roasted Red Pepper Pumpkin Soup- Roasted red bell peppers can add depth and a smoky flavor to your soup. Blend them with the pumpkin for a unique twist.
- Apple Pumpkin Soup- Incorporate chopped apples for a sweet and slightly tart flavor. This combination is perfect for fall and adds a delightful fruity note.
What To Serve With Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin soup is a delightful and comforting dish, and there are several options for side dishes and accompaniments that can complement and enhance your pumpkin soup experience. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:
- Crusty Bread- A slice of warm, crusty bread, such as a baguette, artisan loaf, or a hearty sourdough, is an excellent choice. It's perfect for dipping into your soup and sopping up every last bit of goodness.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich- A classic grilled cheese sandwich, with its crispy, golden exterior and gooey cheese inside, pairs wonderfully with pumpkin soup. The combination of textures and flavors is hard to beat.
- Herbed Croutons- Make homemade croutons by tossing cubed bread with olive oil, herbs, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Bake until they're golden and crispy. These croutons add a satisfying crunch to your soup.
- Side Salad- A light, fresh side salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette, can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of pumpkin soup.
How Long Does It Last?
Properly stored in an airtight container, Instant Pot pumpkin soup can last for approximately 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator without compromising its flavor or texture.
Can You Freeze It?
If you have leftover pumpkin soup that you won't be able to consume within 3 to 4 days, consider freezing it for longer storage. Properly frozen, pumpkin soup can maintain its quality for 2 to 3 months.
When reheating frozen soup, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Instant Pot Soup Recipes
- Instant Pot Potato Soup
- Lasagna Soup
- Keto Taco Soup
- Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Chicken Fajita Soup
- Meatball Soup
Pin It!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Pumpkin Puree
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, For garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics. Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add the Spices. Sprinkle in the ground nutmeg, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute to toast the spices, releasing their flavors.
- Pressure Cook. Pour in the vegetable broth and pumpkin puree. Stir well to combine. Seal the Instant Pot, set it to pressure cook for 5 minutes, and let the magic happen.
- Naturally Release Pressure. After the cooking cycle, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. Then carefully do a quick release.
- Blend to Perfection. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's silky smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, then return it to the Instant Pot.
- Creamy Finish. Stir in the heavy cream and let it heat through, ensuring the soup is perfectly creamy.
- Serve and Garnish. Ladle your pumpkin soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a few pumpkin seeds for that extra touch of fall.
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