Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
200 | 9g | 5g | 19g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
6g | 5g | 7g | 0.44g |
As a Southern belle with a fondness for all things comfort and tradition, I’ve had my share of classic Southern recipes. But today, I’m going to share something a bit more international with Southern seasonal ingredients: the Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup with Vietnamese Cinnamon. Embracing the rich flavors of fall with a unique twist, this soup blends my love for traditional cuisine with my appreciation for exotic, global touches.
Subtle, Sweet and Warm
At the heart of this Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup recipe is the magic ingredient – Vietnamese cinnamon. Far more aromatic than the usual variant, this version imparts a warm, sweet spice that pairs delightfully with the sweet, creamy pumpkin. Nestled with the flavors of rich coconut milk and fresh ginger, you get a soup that is subtly sweet, warmly spiced, and undeniably comforting.
This unique soup reminds me of a few other dishes, like the traditional Curried Pumpkin and Pea Soup. But what makes the Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup stand out is its simplicity. It focuses on enhancing the natural sweetness of the pumpkin rather than hiding it behind a flood of flavors. This soup would pair perfectly with a light, crisp salad or a more hearty grilled cheese sandwich.
The Pleasure of Healthful Indulgence
There’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a dish that tastes indulgent but is also rich with health benefits. Pumpkins, the superstar of this recipe, are low in calories but high in vitamins and dietary fiber. This soup dish is enriched with antioxidants, vitamin A, and fiber, promising a boost for your digestive and immune system.
Additionally, the Vietnamese cinnamon in this recipe not only imparts a unique flavor but brings health benefits of its own. Known as the “sweet cinnamon,” this exotic variant is rich in potent antioxidants – even more than the garlic or oregano in your pantry. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and contributes to reducing heart disease risk factors. Delightfully, this beneficial ingredient is found right under our nose, available at Amazon.
And of course, the recipe includes ingredients like coconut milk and honey, which not only add richness and depth but contribute their own beneficial properties – proving that a happy stomach is indeed a happy heart.
As diverse as my love for Southern biscuits, fried chicken, coastal seafood, and even activities beyond the kitchen, like surfing and movie-going, are the wide range of recipes I’ll share here. But every so often, a recipe like the Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup with Vietnamese Cinnamon comes along and reaffirms why I love what I do. The subtle blend of sweet, spice, and comforting warmth, not to mention its health benefits. It’s a true delight – tradition met with global flair.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground Vietnamese cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 pounds pumpkin, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
Method
Step One
Melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Step Two
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent and tender. This should take around 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the pot, stirring well. Cook these until they are fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
Step Four
Stir in the ground Vietnamese cinnamon, salt and ground black pepper until the onion is coated.
Step Five
Add the 2 pounds of peeled and chopped pumpkin to the pot and stir until it is well mixed with the other ingredients. Cook for around 10 minutes, until the pumpkin begins to soften.
Step Six
Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Continue simmering until the pumpkin is very soft. This should take about 30 minutes.
Step Seven
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender, blending the soup in batches.
Step Eight
Stir in the coconut milk, honey and apple cider vinegar. If needed, adjust the seasoning.
Step Nine
Divide the soup into bowls, garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired, and serve. Enjoy your Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup with Vietnamese Cinnamon!