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    Home > Vegan Soups

    Hokkaido Pumpkin Soup

    By Nandor Barta on 09/24/2024 - May contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure.

    Jump to Recipe Print Pin

    This Hokkaido pumpkin soup is the best and easiest you will ever make. It is thick, creamy, and savory, made entirely from scratch. It is the perfect addition to your fall and winter recipe collection and is sure to become a family favorite with its classic flavors.

    3 small white bowls from above with orange soup topped with pumpkin seeds and a swirl of white sauce

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    There is nothing like a big bowl of hot and creamy soup on a cold day. This Hokkaido pumpkin soup will not disappoint you. The best part is that it is so easy to make that it will become your go-to recipe for a quick, comforting meal.

    Looking for more vegan soup recipes? I highly recommend trying my roasted broccoli sweet potato soup, cream of spinach soup or cream of mushroom soup

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you’ll love it
    • 🧾 Key ingredients
    • 🥘 Equipment
    • 👩‍🍳 Instructions
    • 💡 Expert tip
    • 🔄 Variations
    • 🥣 Serving ideas
    • ❄️ Storing tips
    • 🤔 FAQs
    • More veggie soup recipes
    • Simple Hokkaido Pumpkin Soup

    ❤️ Why you’ll love it

    I love how simple and comforting this Hokkaido pumpkin soup is. The combination of Hokkaido pumpkin, potatoes, and a few simple ingredients results in a creamy, hearty, and wholesome soup that is perfect for the colder months.

    Hokkaido pumpkins, also known as red kuri squash, are the star of this recipe. They have a unique flavor that is not as sweet as butternut squash but is more aromatic and savory. When cooked, the pumpkin turns into a mousse-like consistency that is just irresistible.

    This soup is not only delicious but also easy to make. The simple process of sautéeing the vegetables, simmering, and then blending them together results in a velvety smooth texture. It is a great way to warm up and get a healthy, comforting meal at the same time.

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    🧾 Key ingredients

    This Hokkaido pumpkin soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store.

    Red squash, diced yellow potatoes in a glass bowl, chopped onion in a glass bowl, chopped garlic in a glass bowl

    Hokkaido pumpkin is the star of this soup. It brings a sweet, nutty flavor and a velvety texture that is just perfect for a creamy soup. The best part is that you can use it without peeling, which makes it so easy to prepare this soup.

    Potatoes are the secret to the creamy texture of this soup without the need for any dairy. They add a smooth, velvety consistency that pairs well with the pumpkin.

    Veggie broth is essential for adding depth of flavor to the soup. It is the liquid that helps to cook all the ingredients to a perfect, creamy finish. You can use homemade veggie broth or store-bought, whichever is more convenient for you.

    🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    🥘 Equipment

    For this hearty Hokkaido pumpkin soup, a reliable hand blender is an absolute must. It makes the pureeing process a walk in the park, and you won’t have to transfer hot liquid back and forth between containers. Trust me, it’s a time-saver and a mess-preventer.

    👩‍🍳 Instructions

    Preparing the ingredients

    STEP 1
    Start by peeling and chopping the onion and garlic into small pieces. Next, peel and dice the potatoes.

    STEP 2
    Now it’s time to prepare the Hokkaido pumpkin. Using a sharp and large knife, carefully cut the pumpkin in half. Be cautious and move slowly to avoid any accidents. Once the pumpkin is halved, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.

    An orange squash is cut in halve and you can see the seeds in the middle. The other half is turned upside down and a knife is carving off the skin

    STEP 3
    Turn the pumpkin halves upside down so that they firmly stay in one place. Use a sharp knife to cut small and thin peels off the pumpkin.

    Making the Hokkaido pumpkin soup

    STEP 1
    Heat a saucepan on medium heat until the olive oil is shimmering. Then add the chopped onion and garlic. Make sure they are coated with the oil and spread evenly in the pan. Cook them until the onion is tender but still white.

    STEP 2
    Pour the vegetable broth into the saucepan. Then, add the diced pumpkin and potatoes. Cook these ingredients for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender. The smaller the diced pumpkins and potatoes are, the shorter the cooking time.

    STEP 3
    Once the ingredients are tender, use a hand blender to puree the mixture thoroughly.

    2 photo collage with a stockpot from above showing the cooked pumpkins on the first and an orange cream soup on the second.

    STEP 4
    Finally, add salt and pepper to the soup, according to your preference. Your Hokkaido pumpkin soup is now ready to be served.

    💡 Expert tip

    The size at which you dice your Hokkaido pumpkin and potatoes is crucial to the cooking time of your soup. The smaller you dice them, the faster they will cook. So, if you are in a hurry, dice them into smaller pieces. It’s a great way for beginner cooks to reduce their time in the kitchen.

    🔄 Variations

    If you are looking for a bit of a twist on the traditional Hokkaido pumpkin soup recipe, consider adding a touch of heat with some chili flakes. This will give your soup a bit of a kick and add a new dimension of flavor.

    For a creamier version of this Hokkaido pumpkin soup, try adding a can of coconut milk. This will not only make the soup creamier but also add a hint of coconut flavor, which pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.

    If you want to boost the protein content of this soup, consider adding a can of white beans. They will not only add a creamy texture but also make the soup more filling and nutritious.

    A small white bowl from above with orange soup topped with pumpkin seeds and a swirl of white sauce

    🥣 Serving ideas

    This Hokkaido pumpkin soup is already delicious on its own, but it can be made even more enjoyable with the addition of various toppings.

    I like to sprinkle some chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, or a dollop of dairy-free heavy cream on individual servings to add some crunchiness and a creamy texture.

    In addition, you can serve this soup with some crusty bread, croutons, or crackers. Chopped nuts, such as pecans, and seeds, like pumpkin seeds, also make for a nutritious and tasty topping.

    For a more hearty meal, consider adding some vegan bacon bits. I have a great recipe for a vegan version that is just as delicious.

    3 small white bowls from above with orange soup topped with pumpkin seeds and a swirl of white sauce

    ❄️ Storing tips

    Storing and reheating this Hokkaido pumpkin soup is easy and it does not compromise the flavor. In fact, the flavors tend to intensify, making it even more delicious.

    To store the leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

    If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing so without the potatoes. Potatoes tend to change in texture and can become grainy when frozen and then thawed. When you are ready to eat the soup, you can cook fresh potatoes separately and add them to the soup.

    To reheat the soup, pour it into a pot and place the pot over medium heat. Stir the soup occasionally as it heats up to ensure that it heats evenly. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If you are reheating the soup from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first.

    🤔 FAQs

    Do you need to peel a Hokkaido pumpkin?

    Hokkaido pumpkin is also known as Red Kuri Squash or Japanese Squash. It is a thick orange-skinned winter squash. It is extremely hard to peel so you don’t really have to. The peel will soften during cooking and if you have a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, you can still enjoy a smooth cream soup.

    Is Hokkaido pumpkin sweet?

    It is not as sweet as butternut squash, so I wouldn’t use it for sweet pumpkin recipes. It has an aromatic, nutty, sweet tas, which just goes better with savory pumpkin dishes.

    Is Hokkaido pumpkin skin edible?

    Yes, it is a pretty hard but edible skin. If you make a soup, we recommend peeling it though or using a high-power blender to make sure you end up with a smooth cream soup.

    Should you peel Hokkaido pumpkin?

    The main rule is that you don’t need to peel it. If you want to roast it in slices or in halves, you better leave the skin on so it holds together. If you want to make a cream soup, we recommend peeling or using a high power blender to have a truly creamy soup at the end.

    More veggie soup recipes

    You can browse through these vegan soup recipes or check out

    • Vegan Sweet Potato Cream Soup
    • A bowl of green soup sprinkled with vegetable crisps and white swirls.
      The Easiest Cream of Spinach Soup (Vegan)
    • Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • Vegetarian Goulash (Authentic Hungarian Recipe)

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    Simple Hokkaido Pumpkin Soup

    Nandor Barta
    This Hokkaido pumpkin soup is the best and easiest you will ever make. It is thick, creamy, and savory, made entirely from scratch. It is the perfect addition to your fall and winter recipe collection and is sure to become a family favorite with its classic flavors.
    4.9 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Soup
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 170kcal

    Equipment

    • our Vitamix A2300
    • Immersion hand blender with 20 fl oz container
    • Cast-iron Dutch Oven (3-quart / 2.8 liter)
    • Stockpot

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 Tbsp Olive oil
    • 1 Onion (medium)
    • 2 cloves Garlic
    • 7 cup Hokkaido pumpkin (without seeds and peel)
    • 3 Potatoes (medium)
    • 50 fl oz Veggie broth
    • Salt and Pepper to taste
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    Instructions
     

    • Peel and chop the onion and garlic into small pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes. 
    • Peel and chop the Hokkaido pumpkin. For easy reference watch our short video. In short, you need a sharp and large knife to first cut it half. Move slowly and cautiously, so that your knife won’t slip. When ready, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Now, turn the pumpkin half upside down so that it firmly stays in one place and use a sharp knife to cut small and thin peels off the pumpkin.
    • Heat a saucepan on medium heat until olive oil is shimmering. Add the chopped onion and garlic coat it with the oil and spread evenly. Stir occasionally (For WFPB diet – cook them in veggie broth)
    • Once onion is tender but still white, pour the veggie broth onto it. Stir a couple of times. 
    • Add diced pumpkin and potatoes. Cook them for approx. 20-30 minutes. The smaller the diced pumpkins/potatoes are the shorter the cooking time. Both have to be tender to be ready. 
    • Use a hand blender and puree them thoroughly. Now add the salt and pepper to taste. Ready to serve it. 
    Tried this recipe? Can we see it?Please share a picture with us by uploading an image to Pinterest below ours.

    Notes

    Why is there no seasoning?

    Hokkaido pumpkin is such an aromatic pumpkin, we thought any additional spices (apart from the ones in a vegetable broth) will alter the taste we plan to capture. If you are wondering what spices go well with it, here is our recommendations:
    • rosemary, thyme or sage – the best green herbs to add
    • cayenne pepper or chili powder – to give you a little kick
    • curry or garam masala
    • ginger

    Video

    [adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”SAenv4S5″ upload-date=”2020-12-17T19:12:58.000Z” name=”Vegan Hokkaido Pumpkin Soup” description=”This is a recipe for a Simple Pumpkin Cream Soup from fresh Hokkaido pumpkin. There are literally thousands of different pumpkin soup recipes that use different kinds of fresh pumpkin or squash or even a canned version. Now, I am not saying that we have tried them all, but according to our opinion ” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Simple Hokkaido Pumpkin Soup
    Amount Per Serving (1 serving without topping)
    Calories 170 Calories from Fat 27
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 3g5%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 2g
    Sodium 998mg43%
    Potassium 953mg27%
    Carbohydrates 35g12%
    Fiber 5g21%
    Sugar 7g8%
    Protein 4g8%
    Vitamin A 2377IU48%
    Vitamin C 39mg47%
    Calcium 57mg6%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    279 shares

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    Comments

      4.93 from 14 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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    1. Paul Potemski

      November 09, 2021 at 3:01 pm

      Where can you purchase these pumpkins? I’ve looked all over the internet.

      Reply
      • My Pure Plants

        November 09, 2021 at 9:22 pm

        Try to search for red kuri squash. They are often called that. I saw them on Mercato, Instacart, and Freshdirect.com as well.

        Reply
    2. Oli

      September 30, 2019 at 3:59 pm

      You don’t need to peel Hokkaido pumpkin. The soup will be even better!

      Reply
      • My Pure Plants

        September 30, 2019 at 8:53 pm

        Really? They have such a hard peel, I really wanted to get rid of that. 🙂

        Reply
      • Anita

        October 16, 2020 at 1:55 pm

        Hokkaido pumpkin are my favorite! I LOVE the flavor and that there is NO need to peel the skin. Most of the vitamins are actually right under the skin and I would not want to waste them. ?

        Reply
        • My Pure Plants

          October 19, 2020 at 11:56 am

          I never tried with the peel on. I thought it may be too hard and will not soften enough. Thanks for the tip.

    3. Kelly Anthony

      September 13, 2019 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      Your pictures really show off your hokkaido pumpkin soup. I’ve never had a hokkaido pumpkin but I’ll be on the lookout for them at my grocery store.

      Reply
      • My Pure Plants

        September 17, 2019 at 12:48 pm

        You should. You get such a unique flavored pumpkin soup.

        Reply
    4. Adrianne

      September 13, 2019 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      This is cool. I have never heard of a hokkiado pumpkin before!! I will have to try it. The soup sounds lip smackinly good. Cheers!

      Reply
      • My Pure Plants

        September 13, 2019 at 11:20 am

        You should definitely try it. It tastes very different from butternut squash.

        Reply
    5. Genevieve

      September 13, 2019 at 7:40 am

      5 stars
      Pumpkin soup is a fall must-have and this one looks amazing!

      Reply
      • My Pure Plants

        September 13, 2019 at 9:40 am

        Yes, it is. Thanks for your kind words.

        Reply
    6. Michelle

      September 13, 2019 at 7:29 am

      5 stars
      This looks fab! Perfect for Autumn, and I love all the tips for preparing the Hokkaido pumpkin, great post. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • My Pure Plants

        September 13, 2019 at 7:31 am

        Thanks. Hokkaido pumpkin can be scary to work with as it has such a hard peel. But it makes this soup unique and aromatic.

        Reply
    7. Sapana

      September 13, 2019 at 7:11 am

      5 stars
      This pumpkin soup turned out perfect! An absolute favorite for the family – thank you!

      Reply
      • My Pure Plants

        September 13, 2019 at 7:30 am

        Thanks for your kind words.

        Reply

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    Portrait of Emese and Nandi My Pure Plants

    Hi, we are Emese Maczkó and Nándor Barta, the founders and recipe creators behind My Pure Plants. We are sharing our knowledge and expertise in vegan recipes and encourage you to try home-cooked meals using locally-sourced, organic, whole foods.

    More about us →

    Reader Favorites

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    • Lots of spring rolls cut in half and arranged in a semi-circular dish facing upwards around a brown dipping sauce.
      Crispy Rice Paper Spring Rolls
    • A burger with layers of green ruffled lettuce, yellow sauce, thin cheese slices, dark brown burger patty twice, sliced pickles and white chopped onion.
      Meaty Vegan TVP Burger (Big Mac Style)
    • Copycat IKEA Veggie Balls

    Hearty stews

    • Vegetable stew in a red white enameled Dutch oven with lots of chopped vegetables like potatoes, carrots, mushroom, celery and red kidney beans. Topped with freshly chopped green herbs.
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    • 2 white bowls with thick brown stew, lentils, chopped veggies and a couple of dumplings. The remaining stew is in a red-white Dutch oven.
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    • Cast iron skillet with veggie stew topped with puff pastry in a lattice pattern.
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