Description
This creamy roasted pumpkin and tomato soup features caramelized pumpkin and cherry tomatoes blended with aromatic garlic, carrots, and thyme, finished with a hint of balsamic vinegar and creamy coconut milk for a rich, silky texture. Perfect for cooler months or as an elegant starter, this soup balances natural sweetness with subtle depth and comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium Hokkaido pumpkin (approximately 1 kg), washed and sliced with skin on
- 300 g cherry tomatoes
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 whole head garlic, top sliced off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for roasting
- 750 ml vegetable stock, or chicken stock if preferred
- 150 ml coconut milk
- 1-2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 splash balsamic vinegar
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional toppings, roasted pumpkin seeds, chili flakes, pumpkin seed oil, fresh sage or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Rinse the Hokkaido pumpkin under cold water and pat dry. Slice into wedges roughly 2 to 3 inches thick, leaving the skin on. Arrange the pumpkin wedges, carrots, onion, whole garlic head, and cherry tomatoes on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle olive oil over all vegetables, then season generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly.
- Roast at High Heat: Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and roast vegetables for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pumpkin is very tender, tomatoes have burst, and edges are lightly caramelized. Pierce the pumpkin with a fork; it should yield easily with no resistance.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let vegetables cool for 5 minutes so they're easier to handle.
- Transfer to Pot: Scoop roasted vegetables into a large pot, scraping any caramelized bits from the baking sheet. Squeeze soft garlic cloves from their skin directly into the pot.
- Add Stock and Simmer: Pour in the 750 ml vegetable stock and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let bubble gently for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Blend Until Smooth: Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Alternatively, carefully transfer in batches to a high-powered blender, then return to the pot.
- Finish with Creaminess: Stir in the 150 ml coconut milk and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or thyme as needed.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with roasted pumpkin seeds, a pinch of chili flakes, and a light drizzle of pumpkin seed oil. Serve hot with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes