Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Coconut Milk (Gluten Free Vegan Recipe)

Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk

There’s so much wonderful flavor to be discovered in this fall soup. Roasting the pumpkin to make this recipe gives this dish a unique and slightly sweet flavor that varies from similar meals in which the pumpkins aren’t roasted. While the addition of coconut milk gives this creamy recipe a wonderfully soft texture and light coconut taste. Add a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon, if desired, for a truly wonderful flavor profile. Not a fan of coconut? Try whipped cream as an exciting variation that’s reminiscent of homemade pumpkin pie.

Should I Roast Pumpkins for Soup?

Some coconut milk pumpkin soup recipes call for boiling the pumpkins to cook them. Making soup this way is delicious. However, this soup recipe offers a uniquely different flavor. Roasting the pumpkin really changes the way the it tastes. Roasting pumpkins, rather than boiling them, gives them a sweeter flavor profile versus a more savory dish.

What Pumpkins Are Best for Soup?

Choosing the right pumpkin for your roasted pumpkin soup will give you the best outcome when making this vegan soup. I recommend using the winter squash, kabocha.

This Japanese pumpkin is also called the Jap or the Kent pumpkin, which is one of many varieties of kabocha. It has a green/gray skin mottled by yellow and brown and a nutty flavored, soft, yellow/orange flesh that’s drier than most.This variety is particularly well suited for roasting. So, it makes a great choice for seasonal soups. However, you can also use a Queensland blue pumpkin, a golden nugget pumpkin or butternut squash.

Butternut pumpkin (also called butternut squash) is a popular choice as it’s easy to find year round. This pear-shaped pumpkin is usually light tan in color. Like the Kent pumpkin, it also has a dry flesh. Sweeter than the Kent, however, this option also makes a wonderful addition to soups and does well when roasted.

Queensland blue pumpkins are similar to the other types previously discussed. They too are hard pumpkins that work well in soup recipes. A large ribbed pumpkin with gray skin, this winter squash has a deep orange flesh and is great for making soup.

Golden nugget pumpkins are a smaller sized squash that are wonderful for roasting. Similar in size to an acorn squash though not the shape, this variety has a yellow-golden flesh and deep orange exterior. It’s also called an Oriental pumpkin.

Regardless of the pumpkin you choose to make this seasonal fall soup, you’ll want to use a harder pumpkin that does have a dry flesh. A pumpkin that is too soft can water down the soup, causing it to lose its rich, creamy texture.

What Pumpkin is the Sweetest?

There are a number of sweet pumpkins that are great for cooking. Butternut pumpkins, Dumpling pumpkins, Kent, Golden Nugget and Queensland blue pumpkins are all sweet pumpkins. Personally, I prefer to use the Kent pumpkin for my fall recipes. However, you can use any of these varieties that you like.

Which Pumpkin is Better for Roasting?

The butternut pumpkin is great for roasting because it holds its shape well after cooking. However you can choose a sweeter pumpkin for this roasted pumpkin soup recipe. The butternut roasts well and tastes great in this recipe. It’s also more readily available throughout the year. but the Kent and Queensland blue pumpkins are sweeter.

Do You Have to Peel Pumpkin Before Roasting?

No, you shouldn’t peel a pumpkin before roasting. Besides, it’s easier to remove the peel after the pumpkin roasts. The peel is edible, so you can eat it if you want. Just make sure that you’ve properly cleaned the pumpkin to remove dirt from traveling and being in the store.

How Do You Roast Pumpkin So It Doesn’t Get Soggy?

There are a few tricks that you can use when roasting your pumpkin for this vegan roasted pumpkin soup. Use a pan with low sides like a cookie sheet. High sides, like a 9×13 casserole dish has, will trap steam and water. This can cause the pumpkin to get soggy.

Pumpkins can also get soggy when they are cooked too low. You want to roast the pumpkin at 400 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This will caramelize the sugars in the roasted pumpkin for the rich flavor.

Tips for Cooking Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you make this vegan roasted pumpkin soup:

• Save the pumpkin seeds. Roast them at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes for a delicious healthy snack. I give them a quick stir every 10 minutes so they bake evenly.
• Roasting the pumpkin brings out the delicious flavor and makes it taste richer and sweeter. For a savory soup, boil the pumpkin instead.
• Taste the roasted pumpkin soup before adding any sweetener. If you used a sweet pumpkin, you may not need to add the maple syrup unless that’s your preference.

Discover variations, cooking tips and serving suggestions for this vegan pumpkin soup here.