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What is Pumpkin Soup?

By Amanda Abiola
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,865
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Pumpkin soup is a soup usually made from pureed pumpkin and broth or stock. It can be served hot or cold, depending on the recipe, and may include ingredients such as onion, garlic, red pepper, and cream. It is very popular during Thanksgiving celebrations in the US and Canada.

Pumpkins are a squash, and are usually large, orange, and round or oblong. They are gourd-like in structure, and in many places the seeds are removed and faces or designs are carved through the rind to make Halloween decorations. Most parts of the pumpkin are edible, and the flesh can be baked or steamed, as well as mashed and used in pies or soups. Pumpkins are grown all over the world, and used in both sweet and savory dishes. During the Vietnam War, pumpkin soup was a staple of prisoners in the North.

Pumpkin soup is eaten in many places, but mainly in the United States, Australia, and Canada. The fruit grows best in warm weather, and usually matures in the fall, giving it it's long association with the harvest season. Researchers don't know exactly where the pumpkin first grew, but it is thought to have likely come from North America.

In Haiti, pumpkin soup is traditionally eaten on New Year's Day. This soup, which often also contains beef, potatoes, turnips, and vegetables, was served on 1 January 1804, when Haiti became an independent country. It is symbolic of national unity, and a reminder of how the country overcame slavery and oppression.

Most pumpkin soups begin with pureed pumpkin and a broth or stock. Pumpkin puree can be made with fresh pumpkin. After removing the seeds and internal membranes from a fresh pumpkin, it can be sliced into sections and baked at 350° F (176.7° C) for about 45 minutes. Once the pumpkin is cooled, the soft pulp can be scraped from the rind and pureed with a food processor or blender. Many home cooks prefer to use canned pumpkin puree, which is usually available in most supermarkets; pumpkin pie filling, which contains spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg as well as pumpkin, is also available canned, so it's important for a home cook to be sure to purchase the correct type.

"Pumpkin Soup" is also the name of a song by musician Kate Nash. It was the ninth track on her 2007 album, Made of Bricks. "Pumpkin Soup" was released as a single in December 2007.

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Discussion Comments
By sunshined — On May 15, 2011

We really like butternut squash soup in our family. I have served it both hot and cold - it usually depends on the season of the year. Pumpkins are part of the squash family, so pumpkin soup would be very similar - it would just taste like pumpkins instead of squash.

I saw a recipe of a cream of pumpkin soup that I thought would be good too. Creamy soups always hit the spot on a cold day.

By myharley — On May 14, 2011

I have had cold strawberry soup before, but have not tried this with pumpkin. I think that on a cold day a bowl of warm roasted pumpkin soup would hit the spot! For some reason pumpkin soup sounds better served warm than cold.

I am always looking for new homemade soup recipes and this sounds like something fun to try. I love the taste of pumpkin, so think it would be delicious. Not everyone in my family enjoys this taste, so don't think it would be for everyone, but at least worth trying once.

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