Lemongrass Pumpkin Soup

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This soup is creamy without cream, fragrant without overpowering, and incredibly nourishing. Roasted pumpkin or squash is blended with lemongrass, ginger, and coconut milk, creating a velvety base layered with lime juice, garlic, and optional chili for warmth. It's a spoonful of comfort with a tropical twist.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time45 mins
Base
 2 tbsp coconut oil or neutral oil
 1 small onion, chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
 2 stalks lemongrass (trimmed and smashed) or 1 tbsp lemongrass paste
 4 cups pumpkin purée (or roasted pumpkin flesh)
 2 ½ cups vegetable broth (adjust to desired thickness)
 1 can full-fat coconut milk
 Juice of ½ lime (plus extra for serving)
 Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions
 1 tsp red curry paste or sriracha (for heat)
 1 tsp brown sugar or maple syrup (to enhance sweetness)
 ½ tsp turmeric (for color and earthy warmth)
Garnishes
 Chopped cilantro or Thai basil
 Thinly sliced red chili
 Toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed peanuts
 Swirl of coconut cream or chili oil
Prep the Lemongrass
1
  1. Trim lemongrass stalks to the bottom 6–8 inches, peel away tough outer layers.

  2. Smash gently with the back of a knife to release oils. Cut into a few large chunks.

Sauté the Aromatics
2
  1. In a large pot, heat coconut oil over medium.

  2. Add onion, sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.

  3. Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass (and optional curry paste/turmeric if using).

  4. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Simmer the Soup
3
  1. Stir in pumpkin purée, vegetable broth, and coconut milk.

  2. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  3. Remove the lemongrass chunks.

Blend & Finish
4
  1. Blend soup using an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.

  2. Return to pot and season with lime juice, salt, pepper, and optional sweetener.

Serve
5
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with herbs, seeds, or a swirl of coconut cream.

Tips for Success
6
  • Roast fresh pumpkin or squash for deeper flavor (400°F for 40 min, cut-side down).

  • Don’t boil coconut milk—it can split. Keep it at a gentle simmer.

  • Let soup rest for 10 minutes before serving—the flavors deepen beautifully.

Variations
7
  • Add cooked red lentils or chickpeas for protein

  • Stir in a spoonful of miso paste at the end for extra umami

  • Use kabocha squash, sweet potato, or butternut squash instead of pumpkin

Suggested Pairings
8
  • Serve with: Sticky rice, crusty bread, or fresh spring rolls

  • Drink: Coconut water, jasmine tea, or crisp Riesling

  • After: Lychee sorbet or mango slices

Ingredients

Base
 2 tbsp coconut oil or neutral oil
 1 small onion, chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
 2 stalks lemongrass (trimmed and smashed) or 1 tbsp lemongrass paste
 4 cups pumpkin purée (or roasted pumpkin flesh)
 2 ½ cups vegetable broth (adjust to desired thickness)
 1 can full-fat coconut milk
 Juice of ½ lime (plus extra for serving)
 Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions
 1 tsp red curry paste or sriracha (for heat)
 1 tsp brown sugar or maple syrup (to enhance sweetness)
 ½ tsp turmeric (for color and earthy warmth)
Garnishes
 Chopped cilantro or Thai basil
 Thinly sliced red chili
 Toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed peanuts
 Swirl of coconut cream or chili oil
Lemongrass Pumpkin Soup
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