26 Mar 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
8 cups pumpkin
2 cups water
1 tbsp chives
South Indian Pumpkin & Coconut Soup is a warm and comforting dish that's perfect for any season. It's a delightful blend of smooth pumpkin, creamy coconut, and aromatic spices that bring a touch of South Indian cuisine to your table. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can whip up this delicious soup in no time using just a handful of ingredients.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Pumpkin:
- Peel and cube the pumpkin into small, even pieces.
2. Cook Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Cook until they begin to sizzle and pop, about 30 seconds.
- Add finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Pumpkin:
- Add the cubed pumpkin to the pot and stir to coat with the spices and aromatics.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Simmer:
- Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
5. Blend Soup:
- Once the pumpkin is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture in batches to a countertop blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
6. Add Coconut Milk:
- Stir in the coconut milk and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Finish with Chives:
- Stir in the chopped chives just before serving.
8. Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve hot, with additional lime wedges on the side for extra zing.
Note: Feel free to adjust the soup's consistency by adding more water or coconut milk based on your preference.
Tips:
- Choose a fresh, ripe pumpkin for the best flavor and texture.
- Blend the soup thoroughly for a silky smooth consistency.
- For added depth of flavor, you can sauté some onions and garlic as a base before adding the pumpkin and water.
- Consider adding some spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric for an authentic South Indian taste.
- Use fresh, high-quality coconut milk to enhance the creaminess of the soup.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more or less water based on your preference.
- Garnish with fresh chives right before serving to retain their vibrant color and flavor.
With its rich flavors and creamy texture, South Indian Pumpkin & Coconut Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. Garnish with fresh chives for an extra touch of color and flavor, and enjoy the comforting taste of this South Indian classic.