Pumpkin Soup with Smoked Paprika

With the chilly temperatures we had last night, it seems that fall is quickly on its way out, and winter’s lurking just around the corner. We haven’t had our first frost yet, but I’m expecting it any day now. These chilly days and nights make me long for a nice, hot bowl of soup. There’s something so comforting about making soup – all that chopping and stirring, the wonderful smell of vegetables sauteing and broth bubbling, the anticipation of scooping up that first hot spoonful and blowing on it to cool it just a bit, then the wonderful taste of all those ingredients blending together — mmm, makes me want to go get a bowlful right now!

I made a batch of this Pumpkin Soup this evening, and thought some of you might enjoy trying the recipe. The original came from Cooking Light magazine, but I’ve made a few modifications over the years. Note that you absolutely must use smoked paprika. It adds a delicious smoky flavor to the soup, and without it, it’s rather bland.

  
Pumpkin Soup with Smoked Paprika and Pepitas

1 T. olive oil
3 1/2 C. chopped yellow bell pepper (about 3 large)
1 1/2 C. chopped carrot (about 3-4 medium)
1 C. chopped onion (about 1 large)
1/2 tsp. Spanish smoked paprika 
2 garlic cloves, chopped
5 C. chicken broth, divided
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
2 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. pepitas (pumpkin seed kernels), toasted
1 T. chopped fresh parsley

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, carrot, and onion. Cook 10 minutes or until almost tender, stirring occasionally. Add paprika and garlic; sauté 1 minute.

Add 3 cups broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Place one-third of vegetable mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid spills). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining vegetable mixture.

Return pureed vegetable mixture to Dutch oven. Stir in remaining 2 cups broth and pumpkin.

Cook over low heat for 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice.

Ladle 1 cup soup into each of 7 bowls; top each serving with about 1 teaspoon pumpkin seeds and about 1/2 teaspoon parsley. Serve immediately.

Recipe notes:
– Rather than pureeing the soup in a regular blender, I use an immersion blender and puree it right in the Dutch oven. It’s much easier and safer.
– I sometimes serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream and some snipped chives.
– The original recipe didn’t call for any added salt, but I think it needs some, so I usually add about 3/4 teaspoon. You can adjust to taste.

4 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I’m Leslie. A painter, teacher, and lover of all things creative. A sketchbook artist who captures everyday life on the pages of my illustrated journals. I love sharing, connecting, and encouraging people to find their creative voice through sketchbook journaling. Read more about me, my art, and my life HERE.

Enter your email address to follow the Everyday Artist blog, and never miss a post!

Subscribe to my email newsletter, and receive a free watercolor tutorial

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Categories

Sketchbook Page Layout Ideas on Pinterest

Sketchbook Page Borders on Pinterest

Sketchbook Journaling Ideas on Pinterest

Hand-Lettered Quotes on Pinterest

Painted Calendars on Pinterest

Travel Sketching Supplies

Visit my online shop & take home a page from my sketchbooks!

Scroll to Top

Hi, and welcome to Leslie Fehling's Everyday Artist website and blog.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to get all the latest news about upcoming workshops plus helpful tips to make sketchbook journaling
easier and more fun.

As a thank you, you’ll receive a copy of “How to Paint Daylilies with Watercolor.” It’s downloadable and absolutely FREE. Thanks for stopping by!

* indicates required