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Vincentian Pumpkin Soup

The Quirky Foodster Team

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6
Servings

Ingredients

  • Caribbean pumpkin (calabaza) or butternut squash, peeled and cubed — 1 kg (2.2 lb)
  • Onion, chopped — 1
  • Garlic, minced — 2 cloves
  • Carrot, chopped — 1
  • Thyme — 1 sprig
  • Vegetable or chicken stock — 1 L (4 cups)
  • Coconut milk — 250 ml (1 cup)
  • Butter — 1 tbsp
  • Ground nutmeg — 1/4 tsp
  • Salt and black pepper, — to taste

Method

  1. Melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
  2. Add the pumpkin, carrot and thyme, stirring to coat.
  3. Pour in the stock, bring to a boil, then simmer 20-25 minutes until the pumpkin is tender.
  4. Remove the thyme and blend the soup until smooth.
  5. Stir in the coconut milk and nutmeg, season, and warm through before serving.

Introduction: A silky, coconut-enriched Caribbean pumpkin soup, warmly spiced and comforting.

Cultural Background: Pumpkin grows readily across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and this smooth soup is a common lunchtime starter, often finished with a swirl of coconut milk.

Tips: Cut the pumpkin evenly for consistent cooking. Blend in batches if using a stand blender.

Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon for brightness; a vegan version uses vegetable stock throughout.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, adding stock if too thick.

Nutrition: Approx. 180 kcal, 3 g protein, 22 g carbohydrate, 9 g fat per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

A: Fresh pumpkin gives the best texture, but canned puree works with reduced simmering time.

Q: Is this soup naturally vegan?

A: Yes, with vegetable stock and oil in place of butter.