As a cozy chill fills the air (meaning it’s under 100 degrees here in Arizona – haha), there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of classic pumpkin soup to welcome fall, am I right?

Today, I wanted to share one my favorite fall recipes. This classic pumpkin soup is hearty and features a delightful pop of thyme. It’s so warm and comforting, you’re going to love it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
• 1 can of pumpkin
• 3 cups of chicken stock or vegetable stock
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 teaspoon of thyme

Step-by-step Cooking Instructions

1. Butter and Aromatics: Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. As it sizzles and foams, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their tantalizing aroma.
2. Pumpkin Perfection: It’s time to introduce the star of our show – the canned pumpkin. Add it to the pot and stir it into the onion-garlic mixture. The kitchen will really start to fill with the smells of fall now.
3. Seasonal Spices: Sprinkle in the sea salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir them well, coating the pumpkin evenly.
4. Liquid Love: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pot. The combination of stock and spices will infuse the pumpkin with deep, savory notes.
5. Simmer: Bring your soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Creamy Elegance: Time to add a touch of creaminess. Pour in the milk and stir gently. Avoid bringing the soup to a rolling boil, as the milk can curdle. Continue to simmer soup down to desired thickness.
6. Blend: Then, using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until it achieves that silky-smooth consistency.
7. Taste and Tweak: Give your pumpkin soup a taste test. If it needs a bit more seasoning, don’t hesitate to adjust with a pinch more salt, pepper, or a dash of thyme.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle your thick and creamy pumpkin soup into bowls. A sprinkle of thyme leaves and a pinch of parsley on top will not only enhance the flavor but also make your dish look as beautiful as it tastes. Pair it with some crusty bread or croutons for that perfect finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Classic pumpkin soup is delicious on its own, but you can really take it to the next level with some creative toppings. Here are a few of my favorite ideas to get you started:

• Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Roast some pumpkin seeds with a sprinkle of salt and use them as a crunchy garnish.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can add a burst of color and freshness.
• Croutons: Top your soup with homemade or store-bought croutons for some extra crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh parmesan over each bowl because, well, parmesan is just yummy!
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Garnish the top of each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture and added tang.

There you have it, my friends, my favorite classic pumpkin soup, made even more memorable with the addition of thyme. This autumn-inspired masterpiece will warm your soul with its comforting blend of flavors.

Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer for a Thanksgiving feast or as a simple weeknight dinner (me), this classic pumpkin soup will elevate your meal and remind you why fall is truly a season to savor.

So, go ahead, whip up a pot, and let the smells of autumn fill your home and your heart. Happy cooking, and happy fall!