Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by roasting red bell peppers: place whole peppers on a baking sheet, and roast under the broiler or in a hot oven until the skins are charred and blistered, about 20 minutes. Once cooled, peel off the skins and blend the roasted peppers into a smooth puree.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat, then sauté sliced leek or onion with a small splash of oil until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The vegetables should turn translucent and start to brown slightly around the edges.
- Add the chopped pumpkin to the pot and stir to coat it with the aromatic vegetables. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the pumpkin to soften slightly and absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the pumpkin is tender when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat, then use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth and velvety. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blending until completely smooth, then return to the pot.
- Stir in the coconut milk, roasted red pepper puree, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to warm through.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika for extra smokiness. The soup should be smooth, creamy, and brightly colored.
- Serve the hot vegan pumpkin soup in bowls, optionally garnished with a drizzle of coconut milk, toasted seeds, or fresh herbs.
Notes
For a richer flavor, toast the smoked paprika before adding it to the soup. The roasted red peppers can be prepared a day ahead for easier assembly.
