Creamy Pumpkin Pear Soup

Pumpkin-Pear Soup Recipe

🎃🍐

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 3 pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups canned or fresh pumpkin puree
• 14 oz chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup half-and-half
• Optional garnish: sour cream and green onion

Instructions:

1. Sauté Pear and Onion:

   • In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add chopped pears and onion. Sauté, stirring constantly, until the onions are translucent and the pears are tender. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Blend Pear Mixture and Pumpkin:

   • Transfer the sautéed pear and onion mixture to a food processor or blender.
   • Add the pumpkin puree. Blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender or food processor.

3. Prepare the Soup:

   • Return the blended mixture to the large saucepan or Dutch oven.
   • Stir in the chicken broth, water, dry white wine, cinnamon stick, and salt.

4. Cook the Soup:

   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

5. Finish the Soup:

   • After 20 minutes, remove the cinnamon stick from the soup.
   • Stir in the half-and-half, heating the soup thoroughly but do not let it boil.

6. Serve:

   • Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
   • Optionally, garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onion.

Notes:

• Pumpkin Choice: You can use either canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree for this recipe. Both work well; just ensure the pumpkin is pureed smooth.

• Wine Option: The dry white wine adds a subtle depth of flavor to the soup. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with additional chicken broth.

• Creamy Texture: The half-and-half adds a creamy richness to the soup without making it too heavy. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use milk instead, though the soup won’t be as creamy.

• Garnish Suggestions: The garnish of sour cream and green onion adds a fresh contrast to the soup’s warmth and richness. You can customize the garnish with other toppings like toasted pumpkin seeds or croutons for added texture.

• Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Enjoy this delightful Pumpkin-Pear Soup as a comforting starter or a light meal any time you crave a taste of autumn’s bounty combined with creamy goodness!