
The origins of this soup are rooted in autumn harvest traditions, where these root vegetables are abundant and at their peak flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy starter or a light main course, this soup fits the bill perfectly. Let’s get started on this culinary journey!
Ingredients
Before we begin, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 medium pumpkin (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (optional, for a creamy texture)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Vegetables
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, toss the pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Turn them halfway through roasting for even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: While the vegetables are roasting, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Blend and Simmer
- Combine the Ingredients: Once the vegetables are done roasting, add them to the pot with the onions, garlic, and ginger. Pour in the vegetable broth.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
- Add Spices and Coconut Milk: Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a regular blender). Stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, and coconut milk (if using). Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and a drizzle of coconut milk if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Tips and Variations
Tips
- Roasting Depth: Ensure your vegetables are well-roasted for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more or less vegetable broth, depending on your preference.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices. A pinch of smoked paprika or curry powder can add an interesting twist.
Variations
- Roasted Pumpkin Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup Slow: For a slow cooker version, follow the same preparation steps, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- No Cream: This recipe naturally avoids cream, making it vegan and dairy-free. For a richer texture without cream, increase the amount of coconut milk.
- Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Carrot Ginger Soup: Add extra ginger for a spicier kick.
- Thermomix Version: Use your Thermomix to blend the roasted vegetables with the broth and spices for a quick and easy version.
- Butternut Pumpkin Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup: Substitute the pumpkin with butternut squash for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Thai Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Carrot Soup: Add Thai red curry paste and lime juice for a Thai-inspired twist.
Nutritional Information
Here is a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Vitamin A: 270% DV
- Vitamin C: 50% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
Conclusion
This Roasted Pumpkin Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup is a versatile, nutritious, and utterly delicious recipe that deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations to find your perfect bowl of soup.