1-Pot Spicy Pumpkin Tomato Soup

 1-Pot Spicy Pumpkin Tomato Soup is a cozy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich creaminess of pumpkin with the tanginess of tomatoes and a kick of spice. It’s made all in one pot for minimal cleanup, and it’s perfect for fall or any time you need a comforting bowl of soup.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)

3 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup coconut milk (or any non-dairy milk for a creamy texture)

Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, like cilantro or parsley)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

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

Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Spices:

Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom and become fragrant.

3. Add the Pumpkin and Tomatoes:

Add the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes (with juice), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

4. Simmer the Soup:

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.

5. Blend the Soup (Optional):

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until creamy. Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches using a regular blender. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.

6. Add the Coconut Milk:

Stir in the coconut milk to add creaminess. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. Let the soup heat through for a few more minutes.

7. Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips:

Adjust the Spice Level: You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño if you like extra heat.

Add-Ins: To make the soup heartier, try adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

This 1-Pot Spicy Pumpkin Tomato Soup is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of spice. It’s the perfect comforting meal for a chilly day!