This delightfully creamy, spicy soup gets its lovely orange color and sweetness–as well as a hefty boost of antioxidants–from canned pumpkin.

You can make this as a sumptuous appetizer for your Thanksgiving feast, or serve it with bread and salad for a comforting autumn supper. And the recipe is so easy, it practically makes itself. Here’s the simple soup that will see you warmly through many a cold, dark month!

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter
2 cups finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons peeled fresh ginger, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
2 15-ounce cans solid-pack pumpkin
7 cups water
1 1/2 cups good-quality vegetable broth
1 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup olive oil

1. In a large soup pot, heat butter over moderate heat and add onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add cumin, coriander, and cardamom, stirring well to combine.

2. Add salt, pepper flakes, pumpkin, water, broth, and coconut milk, stirring to combine and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Puree using an immersion blender, or in batches using a food processor or regular blender, until smooth. Serve immediately, or refrigerate, covered, for 1 day. May be served chilled or reheated when ready to serve.

Serves 10 to 12.

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