Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Soup Recipe

As the cool autumn evenings set in, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of soup. This spiced roasted pumpkin soup is the perfect dish to enjoy during those crisp nights. I love making extra to keep in the fridge, allowing me to easily reheat it for the next day.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• Vegetable oil
• 1 medium pumpkin, cut into even cubes
• 2 banana shallots, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, mashed into a paste
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger
• 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric (or 2 teaspoons dried turmeric)
• A large pinch of chili flakes or 2-3 dried chilies
• 2 sticks of lemongrass, smashed to release fragrance
• 1 tin coconut milk
• 700ml chicken stock (preferably fresh)
• Juice of 2 limes
• Pinch of sugar
• Dash of Thai fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Black pepper, to taste
• Roasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
• Fresh coriander (optional)

Method:

1. Toast the Spices: Heat a small frying pan and add the coriander and cumin seeds. Dry fry them briefly to release their aromas. If you have a pestle and mortar or spice grinder, crush the roasted seeds for a finer texture.
2. Prepare the Soup Base: In a large saucepan, heat some vegetable oil. Add the pumpkin cubes, shallots, garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Cook on a low heat until the shallots and garlic become translucent. Stir in the chili flakes and the toasted spices, ensuring the vegetables are well-coated with the oil.
3. Add Liquids and Cook: Pour in the coconut milk, chicken stock, and lemongrass. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the pumpkin is tender—this should take around 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Season the Soup: Add the lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Adjust these ingredients to your taste—aim for a balanced combination of sweet, salty, and sour flavors.
5. Blend for Smoothness: You can leave the soup chunky for more texture or blend it until smooth using a blender.
6. Serve: For an extra touch, serve with roasted pumpkin seeds or sprinkle with fresh chopped coriander.

This spiced roasted pumpkin soup is not only full of flavor but also nourishing, making it the perfect dish to warm you up during the fall season.

Why Pumpkin Seed Oil Is Great for Your Skin

Pumpkin seed oil is packed with essential nutrients such as omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, along with vitamins A, B, and beta-carotene. It’s also rich in zinc, which helps to improve skin elasticity and has a lifting effect. This oil is especially beneficial for dry, damaged, and mature skin, making it a fantastic addition to your skincare routine.