Perfect French pumpkin soup. We love Fall—the chilly days, cozy evenings and everything pumpkin. This creamy pumpkin soup is one of our favorite autumn recipes. Try it with vegetarian French onion soup next, and explore other French soups in your collection.
Table of Contents
French Pumpkin Soup Ingredients
- 1 small pumpkin (about 1 kg / 2–2.5 lbs)
- 20 cl cream
- 1 bouillon cube
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp hot chili (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
How to make perfect pumpkin soup from scratch
- Step 1 – Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds and discard the skin.
- Step 2 – Cut the pumpkin into small, even cubes (about 2 cm).
- Step 3 – Place the pumpkin cubes in a pot and cover with cold water.
- Step 4 – Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the bouillon cube and salt.
- Step 5 – Simmer until the pumpkin is tender and a fork slides through easily.
- Step 6 – Drain most of the water, but reserve a few large spoonfuls to adjust the texture later.
- Step 7 – Puree the pumpkin with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Step 8 – Stir in the cream, paprika, turmeric, grated ginger, chili and pepper. Blend again until fully incorporated and silky.
- Step 9 – If the soup is too thick, add the reserved cooking water, a spoonful at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Step 10 – Serve hot topped with grated Emmental or Comté cheese and croutons.
Make it your own
- Add crisped bacon or pancetta for a smoky, savory finish.
- Top with garlic croutons or toasted seeds for extra crunch.
- Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free variation with a subtle sweetness.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs such as chives, parsley or coriander.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of pumpkin soup?
Pumpkin is nutrient-dense and low in calories. This soup is comforting and nutritious, and ingredients like turmeric and fresh ginger add immune-supporting properties.
Which herbs go with pumpkin soup?
Herbes de Provence, thyme, sage or a little chopped coriander work beautifully with pumpkin.
Which spices to use for pumpkin soup?
This recipe uses paprika, turmeric, fresh ginger and hot chili. You can also try a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warmer profile.
Can pumpkin soup be frozen?
Yes—pumpkin soup freezes well. Cool completely, transfer to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently, adding a little water if needed.
Is pumpkin soup keto?
To make this recipe lower in carbs, omit the cream or use a higher-fat alternative and keep portions moderate. You can thin with water or bone broth if needed.
How to thicken pumpkin soup
For a chunkier texture, use less cooking liquid. For an extra-thick soup, reduce the liquid while simmering.
How to make pumpkin soup without a blender
A hand mixer works well to puree the pumpkin directly in the pot if you don’t have a blender.
How long does pumpkin soup last?
Store in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What goes with pumpkin soup?
Serve with cheese toast, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
What to garnish pumpkin soup with
Garnish with fresh coriander, grated cheese, a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of toasted seeds.
What to season pumpkin soup with
We recommend paprika, turmeric, fresh ginger, hot chili, sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Adjust to taste.
Can I serve soup in a pumpkin?
Yes—hollowed-out pumpkins make beautiful, seasonal serving bowls for parties or special meals.
How to say pumpkin in French
Pumpkin in French is “citrouille.”
You may need
- A hand mixer or immersion blender
Other favorite Fall recipes
- Zucchini Cake
- Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
- Sweet Dumpling Squash with Raclette Cheese
- Mini Pumpkin Filled with Cheddar and Speck
- Pumpkin Goat Cheese Quiche
- Leek Sweet Potato Soup
- French Pumpkin Recipes collection
More Soup Recipes on AHK
- Erwtensoep (Dutch Split Pea Soup)
- Vegetarian French Onion Soup
- Carrot Coconut Curry Soup
- Leek Sweet Potato Soup
- Miso Soup with Leeks and Carrots
- Chestnut Velouté
- Korean Oxtail Soup
More Soup Recipes from Other Bloggers
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup (Ahead of Thyme)
- Mushroom Potato Chowder (Damn Delicious)
- Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup (Gimme Some Oven)
French Pumpkin Soup
This creamy, comforting pumpkin soup is easy to make and perfect for cool autumn evenings. Feel free to adapt the spices and toppings to suit your taste.
If you try the recipe, please leave a review.
Pin for later!
Perfect Pumpkin Soup (French Pumpkin Soup Recipe)
5 from 1 review
- Author: Alix and Hugo
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: For 5
Description
Learn to make this creamy, nutritious, soul-warming French pumpkin soup—perfect for cozy autumn nights.
Ingredients
- 1 small pumpkin (approximately 2–2.5 lbs or 1 kilo)
- 20 cl cream
- 1 bouillon cube
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp hot chili
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds.
- Cut the pumpkin into small cubes (about 2 cm).
- Place the cubes in cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then add the bouillon cube and salt.
- Cook until the pumpkin is tender.
- Drain most of the water, reserving a few spoonfuls.
- Puree the pumpkin with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Stir in the cream, spices and pepper; blend until silky.
- If necessary, add reserved water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot with grated Emmental or Comté and croutons.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: French
First published October 18, 2016. Last updated April 4, 2021 with additional tips and improved readability.