Everyone is familiar with the sweet confections that you can make with pumpkin puree (pie, muffins, sweet breads etc.) but if you haven’t tried pumpkin mixed with savory spices then you are missing out. I remember finding this basic pumpkin soup recipe YEARS ago (we’re talking late 90’s) and I’ve been meaning to make it again ever since. This time I decided to add a few more spices (now that my pallet has been influenced by southern cuisine) and I added a few crunchy roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for garnish and texture.

Total Recipe cost: $4.29

Servings Per Recipe: 4

Cost per serving: $1.07

Prep time: 5 min. Cook time: 15 min. Total: 20 min.

STEP 1: In a medium pot, cook the finely diced onions in 2 Tbsp of butter over medium heat until they are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Do not let the onions brown on the edges. If they begin to brown, lower the heat.

STEP 2: Add the pumpkin puree, chicken stock, chili powder, nutmeg and cayenne powder. Stir well and heat through (about 10 minutes). Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.

STEP 3: When you are ready to eat, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of pepitas on top of each serving.

NOTE: If you like creamy soups, this recipe takes very well to a little cream or sour cream (stirred in after cooking). I actually tried to float a dollop of sour cream on top for the photo but it sunk so I had to stir it in…

There are many varieties of pepitas out there and you can usually buy them from bulk bins which means you can buy just 1/4 cup if you want. When I purchased mine I saw not only plain roasted but also raw or roasted with tamari (similar to soy sauce). If you can find a chili or southwest flavored pepitas, that would be amazing with this soup. Even better yet, if you carve pumpkins and roast your own seeds, try coating them in some chili powder and oil prior to roasting. YUM!

I plan on eating this soup with a grilled brie sandwich which I calculated to cost just $1.03 (two slices of bread = $0.36, 1 oz. brie = $0.67). Grilled cheese sandwiches go great with soup and provide enough substance to round out the meal and make you feel satisfied. Even though I used an expensive cheese, the whole meal totals out to just $2.10. That’s what I’m talking about.

To our health!

Beth M.

Owner of
Budget Bytes