Spicy chorizo pumpkin soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a bowl of comfort that’s bursting with bold flavors and a touch of smoky heat, this Spicy chorizo pumpkin soup will quickly become your new favorite. It beautifully blends the rich, savory notes of spicy chorizo with the creamy sweetness of pumpkin, creating a hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a dish that feels like a warm hug. The addition of chipotle peppers brings a smoky depth, while a touch of cream rounds everything out into a luscious, silky finish. Trust me, once you try this Spicy chorizo pumpkin soup, you’ll want to make it over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for humble, straightforward ingredients that together create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the spicy punch from chorizo, the smoothness of pumpkin puree, or the smoky warmth from chipotle peppers. Using quality broth enhances the soup’s richness, and the fresh aromatics like garlic and onion build the foundation for this delicious dish.

• 1/2 lb chorizo: This spicy sausage is the star, bringing rich, smoky heat that flavors the entire soup.
• 1 onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
• 4 cloves garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic pungency that enhances every bite.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Provides a warm, earthy undertone that complements the chorizo perfectly.
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the natural sweetness of pumpkin.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that lifts the soup’s flavor profile.
• 15 oz broth (chicken or beef): The savory liquid base that ties all the ingredients together with richness.
• 5 chipotle peppers: These give the soup its signature smoky spiciness—adjust to your heat preference!
• 2 cups pumpkin puree: The creamy element that provides a smooth texture and subtle sweetness.
• 1/4 cup cream: Added at the end to soften the heat and add luxurious creaminess.

How to Make Spicy chorizo pumpkin soup

Step 1: Cook the chorizo

Start by heating the chorizo in your soup pot over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to break it up and allow those wonderful spices to release their oils. Once cooked, scoop the chorizo into a bowl but don’t discard the flavorful fat. Wipe most of it away from the pot with paper towels—that fat carries tons of flavor but you don’t want the soup to be greasy.

Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic

Chop the onions and add them to the cleaned pot, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Then add the cooked chorizo back in, along with the chopped garlic and chipotle peppers. This step ensures that the smoky heat from the chipotles and the savory depth from the garlic blend beautifully with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Add broth, pumpkin, and spices

Pour in the broth, then stir in the pumpkin puree, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 10 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to meld and the pumpkin to fully integrate with the savory broth and spicy sausage.

Step 4: Finish with cream

Turn the heat off and stir in the cream to give the soup its silky texture and mellow the spices just enough. Serve hot with the reserved chorizo pieces on top for a delightful bite of meaty goodness in every spoonful.

How to Serve Spicy chorizo pumpkin soup

Garnishes

To elevate this Spicy chorizo pumpkin soup even further, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco adds wonderful creaminess, while a dash of smoked paprika can intensify the smoky notes. These simple garnishes make the presentation vibrant and the flavor experience layered.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm tortillas to sop up every last drop. A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the soup. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a simple rice pilaf to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in small mugs or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive touch. Layer with a swirl of crema and a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds for added texture. You can even blend the soup less fully to keep some of the pumpkin chunks and chorizo pieces visible, creating an inviting rustic look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Spicy chorizo pumpkin soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to save it for later, this soup freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the cream if freezing, and add it fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup. Stir in cream after reheating for that final touch of velvety richness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?

Absolutely! While chorizo gives this soup its signature spicy and smoky flavor, you can substitute with Italian sausage or even a smoked kielbasa. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly, so you might want to adjust the chipotle peppers or spices accordingly.

How spicy is this soup?

The heat level depends on how many chipotle peppers you use. Five peppers make it moderately spicy with a pleasant smoky bite. If you prefer milder soup, start with fewer chipotles and add more to taste.

Is pumpkin puree available year-round?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree is widely available year-round and perfect for this recipe. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, omit the chorizo and use vegetable broth. You can sauté diced smoked tofu or seasoned mushrooms for a similar savory bite. Boost the smoky flavor with additional chipotle peppers or smoked paprika.

What can I use if I don’t have chipotle peppers?

If you don’t have chipotle peppers, smoked paprika combined with a small pinch of cayenne pepper is a great substitute. This will mimic the smoky heat without overpowering the soup.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy chorizo pumpkin soup is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or curling up solo with a bowl, it delivers warmth and excitement in every spoonful. Give it a try—you just might find your new go-to comfort food for the season and beyond!

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