Instructions

Roast the Pumpkin (and Garlic)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Carefully slice the stem off, cut the pumpkin in half from top to bottom, and use a spoon or ice cream scoop to scrape out all the seeds and stringy pulp. (Save the seeds to roast later for a garnish!)
3. Rub the cut sides with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on the baking sheet, and tuck the unpeeled garlic cloves underneath the pumpkin halves — this prevents them from burning while roasting into sweet, mellow garlic paste.
4. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until a fork easily slides all the way through the flesh and skin and the edges are nicely browned.
5. Let cool for 10 minutes, then scoop the flesh away from the skin — depending on the pumpkin the skin will peel away easily. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins.

Build the Soup Base

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot with a pinch of salt, and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Stir in your warm spices (nutmeg, cumin, paprika, black pepper) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Simmer & Blend

1. Add the scooped roasted pumpkin flesh, the roasted garlic, and 3 cups of broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and let the flavors meld together for about 10–12 minutes.
2. To blend: with an immersion (stick) blender, blend directly in the pot until completely smooth and velvety. With a countertop blender, let it cool slightly, blend in batches (venting the lid with a towel over it so steam doesn’t build up pressure), and return to the pot.
3. If it’s too thick, stir in the remaining cup of broth until it reaches your preferred texture.

Finish & Serve

1. Stir in the cream (or coconut milk) and maple syrup/honey if using. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or nutmeg. Warm through over low heat for 2 minutes — do not let it boil vigorously once cream is added.
2. To serve, ladle into bowls and top with a drizzle of cream, olive oil, or pumpkin seed oil; toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for crunch; and crusty toasted bread on the side.