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Jamaican Pumpkin Soup

A delicious Caribbean soup that blends sweet and savory notes with a creamy coconut texture, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tbsp peanut oil for a touch of flavor (or substitute with olive oil if needed)
  • 1 medium onion, diced a robust base for sweetness
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced adds another layer of natural sweetness
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped brings that lovely crunch
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped a must-have for aromatic depth
  • 6 cups vegetable stock homemade or store-bought
  • 2 leaves bay leaves infuse earthy undertones
For the Soup Body
  • 6 cups peeled and cubed pumpkin flesh fresh or frozen works wonderfully, ensure it’s ripe for the best flavor
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice captivating warm spice notes
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg adds to the comfort
  • 1 tsp ground ginger for a little exotic zing
  • 1 14 oz can light or regular coconut milk the creamy secret
  • 1/2 cup orange juice zesty brightness
  • 1 Juice lime for balancing flavors
  • to taste salt and freshly ground pepper season to your liking
For Garnish
  • to taste Sriracha or other hot sauce to add that fiery kick!

Method
 

Sauté the Vegetable Base
  1. In a large pot, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and garlic. Turn the heat down to medium-low, allowing the mixture to cook until the onions are translucent and the vegetables soften—about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Stock and Pumpkin
  1. Pour in the vegetable stock and add the bay leaves and pumpkin flesh. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering it to simmer for about 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is fork-tender.
Spice It Up
  1. Once the pumpkin is perfect, stir in the ground allspice, nutmeg, and ginger, followed by the coconut milk, orange juice, and lime juice. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Blend to Perfection
  1. Remove the bay leaves and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until velvety smooth.
Final Touches
  1. Return the soup to a gentle boil if needed, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.

Notes

This soup holds up beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to two months in an airtight container. Feel free to make this soup a day ahead for deeper flavors.