Pumpkin Soup–YUM!!

It is fall y’all and that also means it is soup season!!

Times are hard for many of us right now with the high prices of groceries and gas. Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches are a great way to eat healthy AND stay on budget! So if you like pumpkin (if you do not–this is not the soup for you) this recipe is perfect for a cold, wet day with the leaves falling. 🙂

Many of my recipes come from what I have in my pantry. I had some left over peppers and onions so I roasted them in the oven with seasonings until softened and toasted. While those were roasting, I gathered ingredients.

**1 can of pumpkin.

**1 carton of vegetable broth or chicken broth.

Olive oil, butter, salt & pepper, garlic and some spices!

Once my veggies are roasted, I take them out and add them to the pot of broth, pumpkin and spices:

I added about 3 tablespoons of the spice mix and about a tablespoon of pepper & salt. I also added 3 tablespoons of chives. Bring to boil, then simmer 30-40 minutes. Then add some heavy cream. I added about a cup to a cup and a half. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Then pour into a blender. Blend until smooth. Or this can be done with an immersion blender as well. I have done both!

I ended up adding a little crushed red pepper to give it a little kick! Good decision!

Now for our grilled cheese:

I like to use several different kinds to make it the cheesiest and to just feel more grown up lol!

I will also use whatever bread I have in the house. This time around I had some left over French onion buns and they made this grilled cheese sandwich—chefs kiss 🤌🏼.

I also added croutons, white cheddar cheese and Monterrey Jack cheese 🧀 along with dried onions & chives as garnish. It was delicious! I also added a little more salt & pepper. Pumpkin can be bland so do not be afraid to spice spice spice it up!

Good ways to keep your pantry stocked for homemade soups is to keep stocked up on broth. Both chicken and vegetable broth. These are inexpensive and you can make large pots of soup to freeze. Broth is a base for any soup recipes, and you add whatever you have on hand! Quick, easy and budget friendly!

Now what soup should I make next???

XOXO, Valerie