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Woodsy Cedar Pumpkin Soup

This pumpkin soup is roasted to develop a rich, velvety texture, with a subtle smoky aroma from cedar chips that infuse the dish during cooking. Main ingredients include pumpkin, garlic, and cedar chips, resulting in a smooth, rustic soup with a hint of woodsy flavor and seasonal warmth. The final appearance is a creamy, orange-hued bowl with a fragrant, inviting aroma.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Seasonal
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 good-sized pumpkin (preferably sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin) peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
  • 4 cloves garlic whole cloves, unpeeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste cedar chips preferably cedar wood chips suitable for cooking, soaked briefly if needed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cream or coconut milk optional for richness

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large pot
  • Blender or immersion blender

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange pumpkin chunks on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly. Roast for about 30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and caramelized around the edges.
  2. As the pumpkin roasts, soak cedar chips in warm water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning and to mellow their aroma. Drain and set aside.
  3. Once the pumpkin is roasted and fragrant, transfer it to a large pot. Add garlic cloves, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Place the soaked cedar chips directly into the pot or on a rack above the ingredients if using a smoking box or similar device.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the cedar chips to infuse their aroma for about 10-15 minutes. The room should fill with a subtle woodsy scent as the flavors meld.
  5. Remove the cedar chips and garlic from the pot. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree until smooth and velvety. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
  6. Return the smooth soup to the stove and stir in cream or coconut milk if using, heating gently until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream if desired, and enjoy the rich, woodsy aroma paired with the silky, orange-hued bowl.

Notes

For a more intense cedar flavor, increase the amount of cedar chips or extend the infusion time. Always ensure cedar chips are food-safe and used appropriately for cooking.