Pumpkin soup with apples, spices and raisins

4 servings

40 minutes

Pumpkin soup with apples, spices, and raisins is a delightful dish of European cuisine that combines the sweetness of pumpkin and apples with the spicy warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This soup warms the soul and provides comfort on cool days. Historically, pumpkin soups are popular in the autumn season when pumpkin harvest peaks. The addition of apples gives the dish a gentle tartness, while raisins and pine nuts add interesting texture and light sweetness. It can be served as a light first course or a full dinner. The magnificent aroma of spices unfolds when sautéed, and its pureed consistency makes it especially soft and pleasant. This soup is perfect for a festive table or a cozy family dinner.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 421.5
• Proteins: 8.1g
• Fats: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 47.2g

Ingredients

• Pumpkin: 800 g
• Red apples: 400 g
• Onion: 1 head
• Fresh ginger root: to taste
• Ground cinnamon: 0.5 tsp
• Ground nutmeg: 1 tsp
• Vegetable broth: 750 ml
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Apple juice: 250 ml
• Pine nuts: 4 tbsp
• Raisin: 4 tbsp

Cooking steps

1. Clean the apples and pumpkin, remove the core, and cut into large pieces. Peel and finely chop the ginger. Pour boiling water over the raisins and soak.

   Required ingredients:

   • Red apples: 400 g
   • Pumpkin: 800 g
   • Fresh ginger root:  to taste
   • Raisin: 4 tablespoons

2. Heat olive oil or a mixture of olive and butter in the bottom of a large pot; finely chop an onion and sauté it in the pot until soft (5-8 minutes), stirring.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
   • Onion: 1 head

3. Mix cinnamon and nutmeg into the onion; sauté them together for a minute to fully release the spices' aroma.

   Required ingredients:

   • Ground cinnamon: 0.5 teaspoon
   • Ground nutmeg: 1 teaspoon

4. Add pumpkin, apples, and ginger to the same pot; sauté on high heat for a minute, then pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes until the pumpkin is very soft.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pumpkin: 800 g
   • Red apples: 400 g
   • Fresh ginger root:  to taste
   • Vegetable broth: 750 ml

5. Let the soup cool slightly, then puree it in a food processor or with an immersion blender — since all the ingredients will be cooked down, it won't take much effort. Add apple juice, heat it up, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

   Required ingredients:

   • Apple juice: 250 ml
   • Pine nuts: 4 tablespoons
   • Raisin: 4 tablespoons

6. Pour the soup into bowls, add raisins and pine nuts to each.

   Required ingredients:

   • Raisin: 4 tablespoons
   • Pine nuts: 4 tablespoons