Description
Creamy, warming, and bold with flavor, this Spicy Pumpkin Soup is the ultimate cozy meal for cooler days. With deep notes of roasted garlic, warm spices, and a gentle kick of heat, it’s balanced perfectly by creamy coconut milk and crispy golden paneer cubes on top. This soup is both comforting and exciting—a hug in a bowl, with just enough fire to keep it interesting.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 cups pumpkin puree
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup paneer, cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing paneer)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: chili oil, for drizzling
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, and garam masala. Cook for 30 seconds to release the spice aromas.
4. Add pumpkin puree and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or standard blender in batches.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high. Add paneer cubes and sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
8. Serve soup hot in bowls, topped with crispy paneer, chopped cilantro, and chili oil if desired.
Notes
Use canned pumpkin puree for ease, but roasted fresh pumpkin offers a richer flavor.
Paneer can be replaced with tofu for a vegan version.
Add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne if you prefer extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: spicy pumpkin soup, vegetarian soup, fall recipes, creamy pumpkin soup, paneer topping