Our thoughts turn to pumpkin in the fall, and while its sweet goodness may first come to mind, let’s not overlook how delicious and comforting it is in savoury recipes. Pumpkin goes exotic in this Curried Pumpkin Coconut Chickpea Soup. It’s one of my most popular soup recipes and for good reason. It’s mildly spicy, with a hint of sweetness, and wholly satisfying. Now that our November heat wave is over here in Ontario, it’s time to get out the soup pot!
When I was in Calgary in 2013 visiting my BFF, she took me to the Lazy Loaf and Kettle for lunch. I crafted my own sandwich with multigrain bread, turkey, cranberry sauce and a few other ingredients. It was so fresh and delicious. But it was the soup that really blew me away. I believe it was called Coconut Curry Chickpea, and it was thick and satisfying with tender chickpeas and a lovely initial level of heat that developed to a satisfying kick.
Curried Pumpkin Coconut Chickpea Soup
When I got home, memories of that soup were still dancing in my head, so I was inspired to make a soup that would leave me with the same warm, satisfied feeling. I decided to add pureed pumpkin to the coconut milk base, since I still have most of what I froze last year and it adds a rich, seasonal touch. Besides, pumpkin isn’t just for pie!
When I was building the curry, my first instinct was to use garam masala,but I decided to go with chana masala instead. Chana masala is less spicy, and imparts the tang of mango and pomegranate powders. Although I also added a minced large red chili pepper, the soup had a pleasing mild spiciness with a hint of sweetness. Sometimes I like more kick, but I enjoyed the Curried Pumpkin Coconut Chickpea Soup just like this. In fact, by the time the evening ended, the rest of it had been mysteriously polished off.
I’d say an empty pot is a good indication of when I’ve come up with a winning recipe.
Let’s Make Curried Pumpkin Coconut Chickpea Soup
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp kalonji (nigella seeds)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds
- 1 tsp black mustard seeds
- 3 tsp chana masala
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove finely chopped
- 1 large red chile pepper seeded and minced
- 1/2 tsp dried curry leaf crushed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 can (400 mL) coconut milk
- 1-1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup chopped tomato (I used frozen)
- 1 can (19 oz) chickpeas rinsed
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Heat the coconut over medium low heat, then add the kalonji and mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds start popping, turn the heat to low and stir in the chana masala and the aromatics. Cook for a few minutes, stirring. (Your kitchen will be smelling so good at this point — make sure your exhaust fan is on and make the neighbours jealous!)
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When the onions and garlic have cooked down a bit add the curry leaf, salt, coconut milk and pumpkin puree. Stir until well blended, then add the tomato and chickpeas.
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Bring to a low boil, turn the heat to simmer and cook until the chickpeas are tender, about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasonings after 20 minutes or so; if you want to make it spicier, for instance, you could add some dried red chile flakes, and you’ll want to allow time for the flavours to meld.
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Serve and enjoy a fragrant bowl of exotic fall flavours.
Looking for More About Curries?
Let’s start with one of my favourite lunches, Fragrant Red Lentil Dhal. If you’re looking for a vegan dinner, how about a Curried Chickpea Bowl with Spiced Cashew Cream? And finally, this Curried Cream of Broccoli Soup proves there’s a role for packaged curry powder. I should know, because I’ve been making it for over 30 years.
First Published 2013 10 07
Republished 2018 09 27
Republished 2020 11 21
This soup was to die for Mar…please make it again.
Well, since you’ve asked so nicely … 😉
This looks heavenly. I’m so excited to use pumpkin in more of my favorite savory recipes. I love Thai-style coconut pumpkin curry, as well.
Ooh, the Thai-style curry sounds delicious. So much food to explore! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
Yum…I love the sound of your curried pumpkin soup. I does sound exotic.
Thanks Karen. It was fun to make!
This looks so delicious! What an interesting combo. Bookmarking this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, and you’ll want to fall right into the bowl . So good!
Thank you, Ada! Let me know how it goes when you try it!
This basically sounds like fall in a bowl.
Hi, Marlene–wanted to let you know that your soup recipe is featured at the pumpkin party, going online today. Thank you for contributing! Hopefully the link back to you will introduce more readers to your great blog. http://tracyleekarner.com/2013/10/18/its-october-join-our-pumpkin-party/
Tracy, thanks so much. Your pumpkin party is so much fun! I hope my followers will visit your blog as well. Cheers!
This soup looks and sounds delish! I’ve never added coconut milk to a soup before. I’ll definitely be trying it this weekend.
Trying my recipe is the ultimate compliment. I hope it turns out great – let me know!
[…] in a slow cooker. How about something exotic, hearty and as-spicy-as-you-like-it? I suggest this curried pumpkin and coconut chickpea soup. A mug and a spoon is all you need; no fancy table settings […]
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[…] A soup can be simple and fast to throw together, with just a few ingredients, or a more complex blend of ingredients and seasonings that allows you to exercise your cooking chops. And finally, there’s flavour! You can take […]
very yummy even coconut witn pumkin wow thanks Marlene…
I’m glad to hear you find this so appealing! It’s a delicious combination.
Marlene, I do remember this soup…exotic spices and pumpkin are perfect for fall.
Yes, a blast from the past! I’ve started republishing old recipes, sometimes with some updates to the posts, for newer readers who may not explore the blog. And also because it’s so easy to forget even much-loved recipes as there’s always so much new happening. As a longtime reader, it’s nice to hear that you remember seeing this one the first time around! Hope you don’t mind the republishing that’s going on … I’m trying to balance it out with new posts too. That’s a bit of a challenge as my editing work and running around with five granddaughters takes up most of my time!
[…] at Urban Cottage Life will get you warmed up with this Curried Pumpkin Coconut Chickpea Soup – another great pumpkin curry combo perfect for cold fall […]
When I came home from Europe where I had pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed oil, I ordered 3 bottles of pumpkin seed oil, and now that I’m home in my cottage kitchen for the wintery cold months, I’m making all kinds of soups! all those wonderful European soups are still dancing in my head too 🙂 Today I made a chickpea, green pea, coconut milk, lentil soup with a dash of red pepper, curry, Italian seasoning and chicken broth, then drizzled the pumpkin seed oil as garnish on the bowl. Did an Internet search and found you! I think you and I are on the same page when it comes to soups 🙂
I’m pleased you found my blog, Terri! Yes, I do like my soups, and it sounds like you do too. The soup you describe sounds delicious!