If you’re looking for a cosy autumn warmer, this seasonal Halloween pumpkin soup is a must for your family’s menu this time of year. It makes the most of autumn’s most iconic veg and comes together into a hearty, wholesome bowl in no time.
This recipe for Halloween pumpkin soup is adapted from a recipe in Seriously Spooky Fun by Marion Haslam. It’s also a brilliant way to use up the leftover flesh from your pumpkin once you’ve had fun carving it into a jack-o’-lantern!
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Halloween Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 900g (2lb) pumpkin, diced
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 stick of celery, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 25g (1oz) butter
- 1.2l (2 pints) chicken or vegetable stock
- Dash of Tabasco
- 1 bay leaf
- A few thyme leaves
- 150ml (5fl oz) low-fat crème fraîche
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
- Chives or parsley, chopped
Method:
1. Add the butter to a saucepan and sauté the vegetables and garlic for a few minutes. Add the pumpkin, apple, stock, Tabasco, bay leaf and thyme.
2. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
3. Remove the bay leaf and purée the soup in a blender or with a hand blender until smooth.
4. Stir in most of the crème fraîche and season with the nutmeg, salt and pepper.
5. Use a spoon to swirl in some of the remaining crème fraîche, then sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley to serve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes — pumpkin soup keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days and actually tastes even better the next day, once the flavours have had time to settle. Reheat gently on the hob, stirring occasionally.
Can I freeze Halloween pumpkin soup?
This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions without the crème fraîche swirl — stir that through fresh after reheating for the best texture.
What can I use instead of pumpkin?
Butternut squash works as a lovely substitute if you don’t have pumpkin to hand, and gives a similarly sweet, warming flavour.
Is this soup suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a mild, naturally sweet soup that’s popular with children. If you’re serving little ones, you may want to leave out the dash of Tabasco or add just a touch less spice.
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- 12 Perfect Pumpkin Recipes for the Family this Halloween
- 9 Delicious (and Easy!) Recipes for Roast Pumpkin Seeds
- Fun Halloween Treats the Kids Will Love
Looking for More Seasonal Ideas?
Love this recipe? Browse our other Halloween food and family activity ideas for more ways to make the most of the season together.
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