Ingredients:
- 1 medium pumpkin (about 3 lbs / 1.3 kg), halved, seeded
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated (about 1 tbsp)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 4 cups vegetable broth (1 liter)
- 1 (13.5 oz / 400 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegan sour cream or coconut cream (for garnish)
- Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle pumpkin halves with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut-side down on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until fork-tender. Let cool slightly.
- While pumpkin roasts, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and add it to the pot with the sautéed aromatics.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and carefully blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Caution: If using a regular blender, work in batches and vent the lid to prevent explosions.
- Stir in coconut milk and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with vegan sour cream, toasted pumpkin seeds, and fresh parsley, if desired. This is a delicious vegan pumpkin soup.