Italian-Style Pumpkin Soup

This tasty yet simple recipe is an old favorite, and a perfect option for the onset of fall. The preparation lets the flavor of the pumpkin really shine, and you can use basically and seasoning you prefer. If you don’t like sage, try using a bit of curry, coriander, nutmeg, ginger, or even five spice.

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Zuppa alla zucca

Serves 4.
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Cook method: simmer

Ingredients

• 1 lb. pulp from any variety of cooking pumpkin/squash
• 1 to 1 1/2 pints of vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 shallot
• 4 fresh sage leaves
• Olive oil
• salt and pepper

Optional garnishes: homemade bread crumbs or croutons, fresh herbs, roasted pumpkin seeds, balsamic reduction, crumbled amaretti biscuits, parmigiano reggiano, goat cheese, salted ricotta cheese, creme fraiche… use your imagination!

Learn about traditional Tuscan dishes.

Instructions

1. Prepare the pumpkin. Peel, deseed, then cut the pulp into a 1/2 inch dice.

2. Heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a dutch over or large, deep skillet. Finely chop the shallot, then sauté until the shallot is soft and transparent. Add the sage leaves (whole), and sauté a couple minutes more.

3. Add the pumpkin and cook for a few minutes. Next add the broth, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and cooked.

4. Remove the sage leaves. Put the pumpkin mixture in a blender and blend until smooth, using additional broth to thin to your desired consistency.

5. Serve hot with any combination of the optional garnishes you want. Some of our favorites: roasted pumpkin seeds and goat cheese; salted ricotta and fried sage leaves; crumbled amaretti biscuits and parmigiano reggiano; homemade bread crumbs or croutons; fresh herbs and a drizzle of cream or olive oil.

Enjoy this first taste of fall!

Try more great Italian recipes, including: Necci (chestnut flour crepes), Ribollita, and Zuppa di fagioli.

By Peg Kern

Try this amazing pumpkin salad recipe. Looking for another soup recipe? Try Creamy Potato, Leek, and Spinach Soup.

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