Zesty Cranberry and Pumpkin Soup

This delightful cranberry and pumpkin soup combines the sweetness of pumpkins with the tartness of cranberries for a vibrant burst of flavors. Ideal for chilly days, this soup is comforting and warm, perfect for a cozy night in. The balance of spices enhances the natural freshness of the ingredients, creating an aromatic dish. It’s both light and satisfying, making it an excellent starter or a wholesome meal when paired with your favorite sides. Due to its low-fat nature, it’s also a healthier option, especially appealing to those mindful of caloric intake. The recipe is versatile and can be tailored to different dietary needs. With a simple preparation process, it’s suited even for cooking beginners. Serve it cold or warm, depending on your preference, and enjoy the delightful burst of flavors in every spoonful. You'll find it quickly becomes a family favorite thanks to its enticing aroma and delicious taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

600 g water
160 g pumpkin
70 g cranberries
50 g sugar
8 g potato starch

Spices

Cloves, cinnamon, or vanilla

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cranberries: Begin by cleaning the cranberries thoroughly. Discard any that are spoiled. Rinse and then crush them to extract the juice.
Boil the Cranberries: Pour the extracted cranberry juice into a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
Strain the Liquid: Once the mixture boils, strain it to remove any solid remains, keeping only the liquid.
Combine with Sugar: Add the sugar to the cranberry liquid and stir until it dissolves completely, enhancing the sweetness.
Add Grated Pumpkin: Grate the pumpkin into small shreds and add it to the pot.
Infuse with Spices: Add cloves, cinnamon, or vanilla to the mixture, according to your taste preferences.
Cook Until Soft: Allow it to cook over medium heat until the pumpkin becomes soft and tender. Stir occasionally.
Dilute the Starch: In a separate bowl, mix the potato starch with a small amount of water until it dissolves completely.
Thicken the Soup: Gradually add the starch mixture to the pot. Stir constantly to ensure an even thickening.
Reintroduce Cranberry Juice: Pour the previously extracted cranberry juice back into the soup. Stir to combine the flavors.
Final Boil: Bring the soup to a gentle boil once more to merge all the flavors and textures together.
Cool if Desired: You can serve the soup hot, or allow it to cool for a refreshing cold version.
Serve with Grains: Enhance the dish with rice or toasted oats for added texture. Enjoy as a delightful appetizer or a light meal.

Tips

Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices to find your preferred flavor profile.
Sweetness: Adjust the sugar content if you prefer a less sweet soup or substitute with honey.
Consistency: Control the soup's thickness by adjusting the amount of potato starch.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 37g

Variations

Substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetening profile.
Use butternut squash if pumpkin is unavailable for similar taste and texture.
Add a splash of cream for a richer, creamier version of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic toast.
Garnish with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of nutmeg for added aroma.
Pair with a light salad for a balanced, healthy meal.

Best Places

The Soup Kitchen - Known for its heartwarming soups made from fresh, local ingredients. Location: Airport Rd, London, UK.
Brodo - A cozy spot serving flavorful broths and soups. Location: 550 Hudson St, New York City, USA.
Soup & Bakery - Delightful soups paired with artisan breads. Location: C/Catalonia 5, Barcelona, Spain.
Sopbar - Offers a variety of soups perfect for every palate. Location: 123 King St W, Toronto, Canada.
Mitt Hav - Norwegian elegance, serving seafood-infused soups. Location: Bankplassen 1, Oslo, Norway.
Zuppa - Bringing Italian soup delights to your table. Location: Via S. Marco 22, Milan, Italy.
Turecinn Soup Spot - Offers rich, savory Turkish soups. Location: Karacaagaç, Istanbul, Turkey.
Soup & Story - A quaint café known for its storytelling evenings paired with soups. Location: 14 Victoria Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.
La Soupe - Famous for gourmet-quality bowls of heartwarming soup. Location: Place de la République, Paris, France.
Little Vietnam - Where traditional pho meets modern tastes. Location: Kandori 4, Tokyo, Japan.