Savory Five-Spice Pumpkin Soup

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Savory Five-Spice Pumpkin Soup.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious soup, grab a Dutch oven and warm up some olive oil over medium heat.

2. Step 2

   Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced pancetta and let it cook until it turns crispy and golden, which should take about 7 to 8 minutes.

3. Step 3

   When it’s ready, use a slotted spoon to lift the pancetta out and let it drain on some paper towels, keeping that savory goodness for later.

4. Step 4

   Next, in the same pot, add the diced onion and celery to the flavorful drippings left behind.

5. Step 5

   Sauté these veggies until they become soft and translucent, which will take around 5 to 7 minutes.

6. Step 6

   Then, stir in the minced garlic and bay leaves, cooking for just another minute until your kitchen is filled with a wonderful aroma.

7. Step 7

   Now it’s time to bring in the star ingredients! Pour in the chicken stock and add the pumpkin puree, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and the fresh thyme sprigs.

8. Step 8

   Bring this delightful mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 to 30 minutes.

9. Step 9

   If you have the time, letting it simmer for up to 2 hours will deepen those flavors beautifully.

10. Step 10

    After your soup has simmered to perfection, remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.

11. Step 11

    For a silky texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth, or carefully blend it in batches in a traditional blender.

12. Step 12

    Once it’s velvety, stir in the Chinese five-spice powder, freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.

13. Step 13

    Finally, whisk in the heavy cream until everything is well combined and creamy.

14. Step 14

    Serve your soup hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle the crispy pancetta on top for that extra crunch and flavor.

15. Step 15

    Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting dish!.