Hey Lykkers! How about warming up with a bowl of delicious and creamy pumpkin soup? Now, we're not talking about any ordinary pumpkin soup; this one is a healthier, low-fat version. And the best part? It's super easy to make, so let's dive right in!

Pumpkin soup is a classic, especially in Western kitchens, and we all know it's a comforting dish, especially when the weather starts to get cooler.

You've probably seen the beautiful golden soup, topped with a swirl of cream, in many restaurants. And let's be real—there's nothing better than sipping a bowl of this smooth, velvety soup to warm your body and soul on a chilly day. But what if we could enjoy the same comfort without all the extra calories? Let's find out how!

Which Pumpkin is Best for Soup?

When it comes to making pumpkin soup, not all pumpkins are created equal. Some pumpkins are better suited for carving, while others give us that perfect creamy texture we love in a soup. For example, the field pumpkin, which is often used for carving Halloween pumpkins, isn't ideal for soup. This type has a tough texture and more seeds than flesh, so it's more suited for lighting up your porch than your kitchen pan!

For the best results, many people opt for butternut squash. It's often the go-to choice for pumpkin soup because it has a smooth, creamy texture, and a subtle, buttery flavor. Its flesh is easy to scoop out and makes for the perfect base for a silky soup. The skin is also thin and easy to remove, which saves us time.

And then there's the peanut pumpkin—sounds a bit strange, doesn't it? This variety is a little less common, but it's actually a treasure from France. Despite its rough, peanut-like appearance, this pumpkin has rich, orange flesh and makes an incredibly flavorful soup with more depth. If you want to take your pumpkin soup to the next level, this one is definitely worth trying!

How to Get That Smooth, Silky Texture?

Now, let's talk about the key to that smooth, velvety texture we all love in a great pumpkin soup. The secret lies in how we handle the pumpkin. To get that perfect consistency, we need to make sure the pumpkin is cooked until it's soft and tender, then blended until it's completely smooth. If you have a blender or an immersion blender, that's your best friend here!

After cooking the pumpkin along with the other ingredients, simply blend it until smooth. This helps to combine all the flavors and gives us that creamy texture without needing any heavy cream.

But what if you don't have a blender? No worries! You can make pumpkin puree by roasting or steaming the pumpkin and then mashing it. Roasting works best if you want to add a little caramelized flavor to the mix. You can also find pre-made canned pumpkin puree at many grocery stores, which is super convenient if you're in a rush.

The Low-Fat Version of Pumpkin Soup

We've covered the basics, and now, it's time for the low-fat version of the soup! This version skips the cream, yet still gives you a rich and creamy taste, allowing the natural pumpkin flavor to shine through. So here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium pumpkin (about 1.2kg)

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 750ml chicken or vegetable stock

• 250ml water

• 185ml milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Start by cutting the pumpkin in half and removing the seeds. Then, peel the pumpkin and chop it into chunks.

2. In a large pan, combine the pumpkin chunks, sliced onion, and crushed garlic. Pour in the stock and water, and bring everything to a boil.

3. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the pumpkin is tender, about 20-30 minutes.

4. Take the pan off the heat and use an immersion blender to blend everything until it's smooth and creamy.

5. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the milk for a creamy finish.

6. Serve your soup hot, and if you like, add a drizzle of cream and some fresh herbs on top for that classic restaurant-style touch.

And there you have it, Lykkers—a delicious, creamy pumpkin soup without all the guilt! You can adjust the recipe to suit your tastes, perhaps adding a little cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. Pumpkin soup is incredibly versatile, and once you get the hang of the basic recipe, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

So, the next time you're craving something cozy and comforting, why not try this healthier version of pumpkin soup? It's light, nourishing, and full of the delicious flavors of fall.

We hope you enjoyed this recipe, and we'd love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your thoughts in the comments or try adding your twist to the recipe. Stay cozy, and happy cooking!