Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the pumpkin chunks on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until the pumpkin is tender and slightly caramelized around the edges, filling your kitchen with a sweet, smoky aroma.
- Meanwhile, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it releases a savory aroma.
- Add the ground toasted cumin and cayenne pepper to the onion mixture, stirring for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Once the pumpkin is roasted and cooled slightly, transfer it to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
- Add the chili paste for heat and stir well. Using an immersion blender or transfer the mixture in batches to a blender, blend until smooth and velvety. Return to the pot if using a blender.
- Stir in the coconut milk to add creaminess and balance the heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, then cook for another 5 minutes to let everything mingle.
- Give the soup a final stir, check the seasoning, and once it’s heated through and fragrant, transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of chili flakes or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Adjust the amount of chili paste to control heat. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne or chili paste. Roasting the pumpkin enhances sweetness and smoky flavor, making the soup richer and more complex.