Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup

Introduction

Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of pumpkin with the earthiness of beans and the warm spice of curry. This soup is perfect for the colder months, offering a hearty, nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients. The blend of curry powder and pumpkin creates a depth of flavor that will leave you coming back for more.

I remember the first time I made this soup on a chilly evening, and the cozy aroma filled the house. The warmth of the curry paired with the creamy pumpkin and hearty beans made every spoonful feel like a hug in a bowl.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can easily make it vegan and gluten-free, while still enjoying a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cozying up with it on a cold day or serving it as a starter at a dinner party, this soup is bound to become a favorite. Perfectly spiced and comforting, it’s the kind of dish that brings both warmth and flavor to any meal.

Perfect for:

• Fall and winter meals
• Vegan and gluten-free diets
• Family dinners
• Meal prepping
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup

Here’s why Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Rich and Hearty: The combination of pumpkin and beans creates a filling, satisfying soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
• Flavorful and Spicy: The curry powder adds a warm, aromatic flavor with just the right amount of spice to complement the sweetness of the pumpkin.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the beans and vitamin A from the pumpkin, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.
• Easy to Make: With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup can be made in under an hour.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices, beans, or add-ins based on your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Pumpkin Puree: The star of this soup, pumpkin adds both creaminess and a natural sweetness, making it the perfect base for this dish.
• Beans: White beans add protein and a hearty texture to the soup, making it filling and satisfying.
• Curry Powder: This blend of spices adds warmth and depth to the soup, with notes of turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a creamy richness to the soup while keeping it dairy-free. The slight sweetness of the coconut complements the savory flavors perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup:

Prepare the Soup Base:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Spices: Stir in the curry powder, ground cumin, and ground turmeric. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and bring out their flavor.

Make the Soup:

4. Add the Pumpkin and Beans: Stir in the pumpkin puree and white beans, mixing well to combine with the onions and spices.
5. Pour in the Broth and Coconut Milk: Add the vegetable broth and coconut milk to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer.
6. Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step.
8. Season: Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, and maple syrup (if using) to adjust the flavor.

Serve the Soup:

9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro (if desired), and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

How to Serve Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup

This recipe is versatile and can be served in various ways:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
• As a Starter: This soup makes a perfect starter for a larger meal, especially when paired with a light salad.
• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve the soup over a bed of rice or quinoa to make it more filling and hearty.
• As a Meal Prep Option: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Additional Tips for Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup

Here are some tips to ensure your Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup is perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a bright, aromatic flavor that enhances the soup’s warmth. If using ground ginger, reduce the amount slightly.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the curry powder and cumin. For extra heat, add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili.
• Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For a creamier, richer soup, use full-fat coconut milk instead of light coconut milk.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or spinach for more texture and nutrition.
• Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy soup, blend in a few tablespoons of cashew cream or add more coconut milk.

Recipe Variations for Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup

Here are 10 variations you can try for Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup:

1. Curried Sweet Potato Bean Soup: Swap the pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree for a slightly different flavor.
2. Curried Lentil Bean Soup: Add cooked lentils along with the beans for more protein and texture.
3. Spicy Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup: Add fresh chili or cayenne pepper for a spicier version of the soup.
4. Curried Coconut Cauliflower Bean Soup: Blend in roasted cauliflower for a more robust flavor.
5. Curried Apple Pumpkin Bean Soup: Add diced apples to the soup for a touch of sweetness and tartness.
6. Curried Pumpkin Tomato Bean Soup: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Curried Pumpkin Chickpea Bean Soup: Swap the white beans with chickpeas for a slightly different texture and taste.
8. Curried Pumpkin Spinach Bean Soup: Add fresh spinach for an added boost of greens.
9. Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup with Tofu: Add cubed tofu for extra protein and texture.
10. Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup with Coconut Flakes: Top the soup with toasted coconut flakes for a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.

Freezing and Storage for Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup

• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Special Equipment for Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup easier:

• Immersion Blender: An immersion blender makes blending the soup smooth and easy, without the need to transfer it to a separate blender.
• Large Pot: A large pot or Dutch oven is ideal for making soup, allowing enough space for all the ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensure accurate measurements for the spices and liquids.
• Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the soup into bowls.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers are necessary for storing leftovers or freezing the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions for Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?
   Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Simply roast or steam the pumpkin, then puree it in a blender or food processor.
2. Can I use a different type of bean?
   Yes, you can use other beans like chickpeas, kidney beans, or black beans if you prefer.
3. Can I make this soup spicier?
   Yes, you can add more curry powder, fresh chili, or cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.
4. Can I add protein to the soup?
   Yes, you can add protein such as tofu, tempeh, or cooked lentils to make the soup more filling.
5. Can I make this soup creamier?
   Yes, you can add more coconut milk or a few tablespoons of cashew cream for an extra creamy texture.

Print

Conclusion

Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup is a flavorful, hearty, and healthy dish that’s perfect for cooler weather. With its rich texture and blend of spices, this soup is both comforting and nourishing. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prepping. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day, sharing it with family, or bringing it to a potluck, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm you from the inside out.

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is delicious, making it an ideal choice for everything from cozy dinners to meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re savoring it solo or serving it to loved ones, this soup will keep you full and satisfied.

I’d love to see how your Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!