Velvety soup with roasted pumpkin, chickpeas, and aromatic sage, perfect for chilly days.
# Components:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1.75 lb pumpkin (butternut or Hokkaido), peeled and cubed
02 - 1 large onion, chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced
→ Legumes
06 - 14 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
→ Liquids
07 - 4.25 cups vegetable stock (gluten-free if needed)
08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Herbs & Seasonings
09 - 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish (optional)
13 - 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
14 - A drizzle of plant-based cream (e.g., oat or soy)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 390°F. Toss pumpkin cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
02 - Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
03 - Add minced garlic, chopped sage, cumin, and nutmeg to the pot. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in roasted pumpkin, chickpeas, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
05 - Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, extra sage leaves, and a drizzle of plant-based cream if desired. Serve hot.
