When the crisp autumn air starts rolling in, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a warm, comforting bowl of pumpkin soup. It’s a classic, but not all pumpkin soups are created equal. Enter Libby’s Pumpkin Soup, a recipe that elevates the humble pumpkin into a silky-smooth, flavorful dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. Perfect for chilly evenings or even as an impressive starter for your holiday gatherings, this soup embodies the essence of fall.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof. It blends sweet, savory, and subtly spicy notes into a velvety concoction that’s bound to please any palate. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish, easily adapted to suit your tastes, and, best of all, it’s loaded with nutrients from the pumpkin and other wholesome ingredients.
So, let’s dive into how to recreate this seasonal favorite. Trust me, you’ll want to make this over and over again.
Libby’s Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Libby’s Pumpkin Soup is a delightful, creamy bowl of warmth. It incorporates Libby’s canned pumpkin, which gives the soup a smooth, rich texture and a deep, naturally sweet flavor that’s hard to match with fresh pumpkins alone. The recipe is straightforward, but the flavors are anything but basic. The combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with rich broth and the addition of cream, takes this soup to another level.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how to bring it all together:
Ingredients Needed
To create this cozy pumpkin soup, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
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2 Cups Of Libby’s Canned Pumpkin Puree
- This is the star of the dish. It provides a natural sweetness and creaminess that is crucial to the texture of the soup. Libby’s brand is particularly known for its high-quality pumpkins, which makes it a great choice.
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1 Cup Of Vegetable Broth Or Chicken Broth
- The broth will help thin out the pumpkin puree, providing the base for your soup. It adds depth and richness to the flavor profile, so use a good-quality broth for the best results.
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1/2 Cup Of Heavy Cream
- For that velvety texture and creamy richness, this is your key ingredient. You can use half-and-half if you’re looking for something lighter, but the full-fat cream will really elevate the soup.
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1 Tablespoon Of Butter
- Adding butter enhances the soup’s smooth texture and gives it a luxurious mouthfeel. A small touch of butter can transform the flavor in unexpected ways.
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1 Small Onion, Finely Chopped
- Onion gives a savory backbone to the soup. When sautéed, it adds a sweet, caramelized flavor that balances out the sweetness of the pumpkin.
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2 Cloves Of Garlic, Minced
- Garlic is essential to build that aromatic depth. It pairs perfectly with the onion to create a savory foundation for the soup.
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1/2 Teaspoon Of Ground Cinnamon
- Cinnamon is a quintessential spice in pumpkin-based dishes. It adds warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.
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1/4 Teaspoon Of Ground Nutmeg
- Nutmeg pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and provides a subtle, aromatic spice that works wonders in savory dishes.
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Salt And Pepper To Taste
- Salt brings out the flavors in the soup, while pepper adds a little heat and complexity. Adjust these according to your preference.
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1 Tablespoon Of Brown Sugar (optional)
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, adding a touch of brown sugar will balance the flavors and bring out the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this soup:
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Prepare The Base
- In a large pot, heat the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. You want the onion to be sweet and fragrant, not browned.
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Add Garlic And Spices
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the spices bloom for another minute, releasing their flavors into the mix.
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Incorporate The Pumpkin Puree
- Stir in the canned pumpkin puree and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to mix well with the onion and spices. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Add The Broth
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for another 10 minutes, letting all the ingredients blend together into a rich, savory soup.
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Blend The Soup
- At this point, you can either use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to puree until smooth and creamy. Be careful with hot liquids-let the soup cool slightly before blending if needed.
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Add Cream And Adjust Seasoning
- Once the soup is smooth, stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing it to heat through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or even a little brown sugar if you prefer more sweetness.
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Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. You can garnish with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds, or even a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Ingredient Insights
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Libby’s Canned Pumpkin
- You might wonder why use canned pumpkin instead of fresh? Libby’s canned pumpkin is a top choice because of its consistency and flavor. Canned pumpkin is made from a specific type of pumpkin known for its smooth texture and sweet, rich flavor. It also saves you time and effort, especially since fresh pumpkins can be tricky to peel and cook down to the right texture.
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Spices
- Cinnamon and nutmeg aren’t just for baking-they shine in savory dishes too! These spices bring warmth and complexity to pumpkin soup, making it a comforting dish that balances sweet and savory notes.
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Heavy Cream
- The heavy cream is key to that luxurious texture. You can swap it for half-and-half or a non-dairy milk if you prefer, but for the creamiest, most indulgent soup, full-fat cream works best.
Expert Tips
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Perfect Consistency
If your soup is too thick after blending, feel free to thin it with a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Make-Ahead Tip
This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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To Freeze Or Not To Freeze?
Yes, you can freeze pumpkin soup! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat it gently to avoid separating the cream.
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Add Depth With Roasted Garlic
If you want to take your soup to the next level, consider roasting your garlic before adding it. Roasted garlic has a milder, sweeter flavor and can add more richness to the overall dish.
Recipe Variations
While Libby’s Pumpkin Soup is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:
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Add Protein
- For a heartier soup, you can add shredded rotisserie chicken or even browned sausage. Just stir it in after blending the soup to warm it through.
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Spicy Kick
- If you like a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño. The heat pairs nicely with the sweetness of the pumpkin and the richness of the cream.
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Dairy-Free Version
- To make the soup dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of cream. It’ll add a subtle coconut flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
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Garnishes
- Top the soup with crumbled bacon, roasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added texture and flavor.
Final Words
Libby’s Pumpkin Soup is the embodiment of fall comfort food. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dish for cozy evenings or seasonal gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of the taste, and with just a few tweaks, you can make it entirely your own.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Libby’s Pumpkin Soup Recipe?
To make Libby’s pumpkin soup, you’ll need the following ingredients: Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin, onion, butter, chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option), ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, salt, pepper, and heavy cream for richness.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead Of Canned For Libby’s Pumpkin Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, though canned Libby’s pumpkin provides a consistent texture and flavor. To substitute, you would need to roast and puree fresh pumpkin, ensuring it’s smooth and similar in consistency to the canned variety.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare And Cook Libby’s Pumpkin Soup?
The preparation time for Libby’s pumpkin soup is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is around 20 to 30 minutes. So, the entire process can typically be done in under an hour.
Can I Make Libby’s Pumpkin Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Libby’s pumpkin soup can be made ahead of time. You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
What Is The Best Way To Serve Libby’s Pumpkin Soup?
Libby’s pumpkin soup can be served as a starter or main dish. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll. You can garnish with a dollop of sour cream, roasted pumpkin seeds, or fresh herbs like thyme for added flavor.
Can I Make Libby’s Pumpkin Soup Vegetarian Or Vegan?
Yes, Libby’s pumpkin soup can easily be made vegetarian or vegan. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative.
Is Libby’s Pumpkin Soup Spicy?
Libby’s pumpkin soup is not traditionally spicy. It has a mild and warm flavor, with subtle hints of cinnamon and ginger. However, you can add chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier version.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To Libby’s Pumpkin Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to Libby’s pumpkin soup for added flavor and texture. Consider adding carrots, leeks, or celery to the soup base. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so that all vegetables cook thoroughly.
What Type Of Broth Is Best For Libby’s Pumpkin Soup?
For Libby’s pumpkin soup, chicken broth is commonly used for its rich, savory flavor. However, vegetable broth is an excellent alternative for a vegetarian or vegan version, offering a similarly deep flavor profile without the meat.
Can I Make Libby’s Pumpkin Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make Libby’s pumpkin soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, then puree the soup before serving for a smooth texture.