Pumpkin Sage Soup
This velvety pumpkin sage soup transforms the iconic fall gourd into a sophisticated, warming meal that celebrates the natural earthiness of fresh pumpkin enhanced by aromatic sage. The combination creates a comforting bowl that perfectly captures autumn's essence while offering surprising nutritional benefits – pumpkin contains more potassium than bananas and is loaded with immune-boosting vitamins A and C.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Autumn, Fall
Servings 4 servings
Calories 175 kcal
Soup Base
- 2 pounds fresh pumpkin peeled and cubed (or 2 cans of pumpkin puree)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil substitute avocado oil for higher smoke point
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth homemade preferred for depth of flavor
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream coconut cream works for dairy-free option
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup optional, adds subtle sweetness
Garnish
- toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
- crispy sage leaves optional but adds textural contrast
If using fresh pumpkin, carefully cut it in half, scoop out the seeds (save them for roasting later!), peel, and cube into 1-inch pieces.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add the cubed pumpkin to the pot, along with the chopped sage and thyme. Stir to coat the pumpkin with the aromatic oil and herbs. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until pumpkin is fork-tender.
Remove from heat and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or transfer in batches to a standard blender. For restaurant-quality results, strain through a fine-mesh sieve for the silkiest possible texture.
Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, nutmeg, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add maple syrup if using. Heat through for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
Serve hot, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and crispy sage leaves if desired.
For a lighter version: substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt, use lite coconut milk for a dairy-free option, replace half the pumpkin with cauliflower for reduced carbohydrates, use bone broth instead of regular broth, omit maple syrup and enhance natural sweetness with a small roasted carrot, or use low-sodium broth for lower sodium content.
This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, omit cream and add when reheating.
Sugar pumpkins (also called pie pumpkins) offer the best flavor. Avoid carving pumpkins which tend to be watery and less flavorful.
Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 480mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 245IUVitamin C: 20mg
Keyword Pumpkin Soup, Sage Soup, Fall Soup, Autumn Recipe, Creamy Soup