Fall Soup Recipes

By Elias Carter

Hidden Harmony: Vegan Pumpkin Soup with a Splash of Sage

Every fall, I look forward to the gentle aroma of roasted pumpkin spilling out of the oven. But this year, I decided to take a different approach—adding a surprising splash of fresh sage and a hint of cinnamon that elevates it beyond the usual puree. The moment the spoon clinks on the pot, I can smell the warm earthiness blending with the fragrant herbs, creating a cozy symphony of scents.

What makes this soup special is its texture—velvety and smooth, yet with a slight chew from freshly toasted pumpkin seeds. It’s a reminder that simple ingredients, when combined with care, can evoke childhood memories of autumn markets and the crackle of dried leaves underfoot. This recipe is about more than flavor; it’s about capturing the essence of the season in a bowl.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?

  • I love how it transforms humble pumpkin into something unexpectedly elegant.
  • The aroma of toasted sage and cinnamon makes the kitchen feel like a festive retreat.
  • It’s quick to make but feels profound, like a culinary secret.
  • There’s relief in knowing you can whip this up with ingredients you probably already have.
  • It’s pure joy to serve this steaming bowl on a crisp autumn evening.

As days grow shorter and cooler, this soup feels like a warm hello. It’s a reminder that seasonal changes can be celebrated with something both comforting and vibrant. A bowl of this vegan pumpkin soup isn’t just nourishment; it’s a moment of mindful savoring.

So, here’s to embracing the flavors of autumn with a dish that’s as soulful as the season itself. When you ladle it out, think of it as a small act of seasonal gratitude—simple, heartfelt, and delicious.

Vegan Pumpkin Soup with Sage and Cinnamon

This vegan pumpkin soup is made by roasting pumpkin to develop its natural sweetness, then blending it into a velvety puree with aromatics like sage and cinnamon. The final texture is smooth and creamy, with a slight chew from toasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top, offering a warm and earthy seasonal dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Autumn
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg butternut squash or pumpkin, peeled and cubed preferably organic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 8 fresh sage leaves fresh sage
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Toasting pan or skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cubed pumpkin on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly. Roast until the pumpkin is tender and slightly caramelized, about 30-35 minutes, filling the kitchen with sweet, roasted aromas.
  2. While the pumpkin roasts, heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until it becomes fragrant.
  3. Add the roasted pumpkin to the pot, along with the vegetable broth, ground cinnamon, and sage leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sage to infuse the broth.
  4. Remove the sage leaves (they can be chopped and returned if desired, but traditional recipes often remove them), then use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup to a blender. Puree the mixture until smooth and velvety, with no chunks remaining.
  5. Return the blended soup to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently heat until warmed through. The soup should be smooth, creamy, and fragrant with autumnal spices.
  6. While the soup finishes, toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, shaking often to prevent burning.
  7. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with the toasted pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch. Optionally, garnish with a few sage leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and presentation.

This soup offers a quiet celebration of fall’s bounty. It’s perfect when you want something nourishing without fuss, rooted in tradition but with a little unexpected twist. The blend of earthiness and bright herbs feels right for these festive, cozy days.

Enjoying this dish feels like a quiet nod to the changing seasons—an invitation to slow down and appreciate the small pleasures. It’s a reminder that good food doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes, the simplest bowls hold the most comfort.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating