Description

This Pumpkin and Bacon Soup is the perfect autumn-inspired comfort food. The creamy, velvety pumpkin blends perfectly with crispy bacon and savory seasonings, making it rich, flavorful, and utterly comforting. It’s an easy recipe that’s full of warmth and depth!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Bacon:

6-8 strips of bacon

1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

Optional Garnishes:

Crumbled crispy bacon

Chopped fresh parsley

A drizzle of cream

Croutons or toasted bread

Instructions

Cook the Bacon:

In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy.

Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

(Optional: Drizzle the bacon with maple syrup while cooking to add a touch of sweetness.)

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Prepare the Soup Base:

Stir in the pumpkin puree, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth.

Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Simmer the Soup:

Bring the soup to a simmer, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the soup to thicken slightly.

Add the Cream:

Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is creamy and smooth.

Blend the Soup (Optional):

For a super smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until completely smooth, then return to the pot.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls.

Top with crumbled crispy bacon, a drizzle of cream, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Serve with croutons or toasted bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

This Pumpkin and Bacon Soup is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and a touch of sweetness from the bacon. It’s a rich and hearty soup that’s ideal for chilly days or cozy dinners. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or another recipe!