Can I tell you a secret? I’m not actually a soup lover. Fall means warm cozy meals and I’m pretty sure soup ranks near the top for most folks, but sadly not for me. Are you a soup person? There is a handful of soups I’m always up for, though, they’re usually creamy, cheesy, loaded with bacon and come in at about a thousand calories. Then, I came across this Healthy Jalapeño Pumpkin Soup and things changed a little.
It’s like when you’re dating someone and you break up, but then you date the same type of guy all over again and repeat this cycle, thinking this is all you like. Then along comes someone completely different and you’re swept right off your feet. Ok, weird analogy, but I’m sure you get my drift. Until you try something new you really don’t know if you like it or not.
This soup is no exception. I probably would’ve turned my nose up at it, if I hadn’t been on a major health kick. But lucky for me, when I came across this recipe, I was. I don’t remember if it was paleo, or I had just finished the dreaded juice cleanse, or maybe I was just tracking calories. Either way, I decided since it was printed in a Fitness Magazine, it had to be healthy and likely tasty or it wouldn’t be there, right?!
Well, tasty it is! It’s not your typical pumpkin soup, though. When I think pumpkin soup, I generally think thick, creamy heavy soups, but this is the total opposite, it’s almost broth-like, with a slightly spicy jalapeño kick. It’s perfect for fall, when all the heavy casseroles come back into style, this light, low-calorie soup helps to balance it all out perfectly.
How to Make Healthy Jalapeño Pumpkin Soup
First, sauté the diced onions until they begin to soften, add in the garlic and jalapeño and let this cook for about a minute or until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, pumpkin puree and lime juice. Bring it all to a boil and then reduce and simmer along with the cilantro and then serve immediately.
This soup takes such minimal effort, you can be enjoying a bowlful of this dish in a matter of minutes. The cilantro and lime balance out any heat from the jalapeño and really compliment each other so perfectly.
Healthy Jalapeño Pumpkin Soup, which is low in calories and high in flavour, is an easy go-to. A quick, delicious, meal. The original recipe suggests finishing it with a bit of maple syrup, but I’ve always skipped this step. I love the little punch of spice, but don’t let that scare you off, it’s really quite a mild kick.
I first came across this soup in the 2005 issue of Fitness Magazine. It was an October issue, obviously, when else would the pumpkin flavoured recipes come out? I was skeptical at first, what is pumpkin soup without the rich cream? But this spicy pumpkin soup is packed full of flavour and well worth the try!
If you love Healthy Jalapeño Pumpkin Soup, check out these other delicious recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:
- Pastrami Sandwiches with Mustard Cream Cheese
- Sausage & Crispy Brussel Sprout Flatbread
- Roasted Vegetable Pita Sandwiches
If you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!
Want more? Subscribe to Candy Jar Chronicles to be amongst the first to know about new content, delivered right into your inbox! To subscribe please enter your email in the subscription box located on the right hand side of this page and press subscribe.
Healthy Pumpkin Jalapeño Soup
Healthy Pumpkin Jalapeño Soup is a super easy recipe! With just a handful of ingredients this soup comes together in a matter of minutes, and is a surprise with it's light broth-like texture. A soup, you'll come back to over and over again.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 small onion, diced fine
- 1 jalapeño, diced fine
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 15 oz pumpkin, canned
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp cilantro, sliced fine
INSTRUCTIONS
-
In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, sauté the onion until it starts to soften, about 4 minutes, add in the jalapeño and garlic and cook for another minute.
-
Stir in the chicken broth, pumpkin and lime juice. Bring this to a boil. Then reduce the heat, add in cilantro and let simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Serve immediately.
RECIPE NOTES
Recipe adapted from Jackie Newgent, R.D. and found in the October 2005 Fitness Magazine.