The Ultimate Creamy Pumpkin and Spinach Soup with Crispy Bacon: A Family Favorite (Even for Picky Eaters!)
Every parent knows the struggle of getting their kids to eat their greens. In our house, we’ve found a secret weapon: this incredible Creamy Pumpkin and Spinach Soup, affectionately nicknamed “Shrek Soup.” Why Shrek? Because it’s deliciously green, and it’s the only way I’ve managed to trick my son into devouring spinach without a single complaint. So, to all the fellow parents out there who share my culinary battles, feel free to borrow the name! I truly understand your pain, but I promise you, this soup will bring peace to your dinner table – and a smile to your face.
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a game-changer. I remember one time, quite dramatically, I almost face-planted into a bowl of this creamy goodness myself. That’s how good it is! It’s rich, it’s velvety, and it’s packed with wholesome ingredients. But what truly elevates this humble soup to an entirely new, almost galactic level of deliciousness is the addition of crispy bacon. Those salty, crunchy morsels intermingle with the sweet pumpkin and earthy spinach, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. They just make friends and love each other in the bowl!
The magic of crispy bacon bits scattered generously over the vibrant green soup cannot be overstated. It adds a smoky, savory depth and a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth, creamy texture of the soup. This isn’t just a garnish; it’s an integral part of what makes this soup so unbelievably addictive. Every spoonful is an adventure, a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying crunch.
Effortless Weeknight Dinners: A Busy Parent’s Dream Come True
As a busy mum, I’m constantly rushing to get dinner on the table. The madness of after-school hours – cooking, showers, homework, and perhaps, just perhaps, fantasizing about sipping a quiet glass of wine under the table – is a familiar scene for many. That’s why I adore recipes like this Creamy Pumpkin and Spinach Soup. It’s one of my quick and easy, “throw-it-all-into-a-pot-and-let-the-stove-do-the-work” meals. Who’s with me on that?
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. You don’t need gourmet cooking skills or hours of preparation. Just a few fresh ingredients, a large pot, and a trusty blender, and you’re well on your way to a nutritious and incredibly satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s comforting, hearty, and unbelievably flavorful, making it a perfect antidote to those chilly evenings or just a much-needed boost after a hectic day.
The Secret to Ultimate Creaminess: Your Handy Blender
This soup is made so much easier with the help of a bamix, or a stick blender, or a hand blender – whatever you choose to call it! This essential kitchen tool transforms humble cooked vegetables into a silky-smooth, luxurious soup in a matter of minutes (not counting the boiling part, of course). It’s efficient, minimizes clean-up, and ensures a perfectly uniform texture every time, which is crucial for those little ones who might be wary of “lumpy bits.”
The speed and convenience of whipping up this healthy, delicious soup mean more happy moments for everyone. A mixer thingy, a happy child enjoying their “Shrek Soup,” and my smile is wider than a Cheshire cat’s. And let’s not forget the creeeeeeaaaaammmmmmm…! That final swirl of cream adds an extra layer of richness and indulgence, making each bowl truly special. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, leaving everyone at the table feeling satisfied and nourished.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
While this Creamy Pumpkin and Spinach Soup with Crispy Bacon is a fantastic stand-alone meal, it also makes an excellent side dish. It pairs beautifully with hearty mains like my Spaghetti Bolognese or my juicy, zesty Lemon Chicken. For a truly indulgent experience, consider serving it with delicious dipping garlic bread or some crusty, buttered artisan bread. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of extra cream, and a few more bacon bits on top will elevate the presentation and add even more texture. This soup is versatile enough to be served as a sophisticated starter at a dinner party or as a comforting main course for a casual family meal.
A Deep Dive into the Ingredients
Understanding the components of this soup helps appreciate its balanced flavors and nutritional benefits:
- Pumpkin Power: We use whole Kent or butternut pumpkin, known for their sweet, earthy flavor and creamy texture when cooked. Pumpkin is incredibly rich in Vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. It also provides Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
- The Green Goodness: Spinach: Four cups of baby leaf spinach might seem like a lot, but it wilts down significantly and blends seamlessly into the soup, adding a vibrant green hue and a boost of iron, Vitamin K, and antioxidants. It’s the “stealth veggie” that makes this soup a hit with kids!
- Crispy Bacon: The Flavor Star: Shortcut bacon, fried until perfectly crisp, is the secret ingredient that transforms this soup. Its salty, smoky notes provide a fantastic contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin and the mildness of the spinach. It adds a satisfying crunch and a depth of umami flavor that is truly irresistible.
- The Aromatic Base: White potatoes, carrots, and brown onion form the foundational flavor and body of the soup. Potatoes add starch for creaminess, carrots bring a subtle sweetness and more Vitamin A, and onion provides an essential aromatic base that builds complexity.
- The Cream Factor: Low-fat/light cream (like Philadelphia Cream for Cooking) provides the luxurious, velvety texture that makes this soup so comforting. You can adjust the amount to your preference or even use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
- Seasoning and Stock: A pinch of salt and vegetable stock (we love Vegeta for its robust flavor) ensure the soup is well-seasoned and flavorful. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking!
Tips for Soup Success
- Don’t Overwater: Use just enough water to cover the vegetables. Too much water will dilute the flavor. You can always add more if needed, but it’s harder to reduce it.
- Achieve Perfect Crispness: For the bacon, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it gets truly crisp, not steamed.
- Blend Carefully: If using an immersion blender, be sure it’s fully submerged to avoid splashing. If using a standard blender, work in batches and be cautious with hot liquids (fill only halfway, vent the lid).
- Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or stock powder as needed.
- Wilt Spinach Gently: Add spinach after the other vegetables are cooked and just before blending. It only needs to wilt from the residual heat.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the bacon entirely, use vegetable broth, and opt for a plant-based cream (like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream) for a delicious meat-free version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of smoked paprika, or a hint of cayenne pepper for a warming kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or sage can also complement the pumpkin beautifully.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to swap butternut squash for pumpkin, or add other root vegetables like sweet potato or parsnips for a different flavor profile.
- Protein Boost: For an even heartier meal, consider stirring in cooked shredded chicken or white beans after blending.
- Garnish Galore: Beyond bacon and cream, consider toasted pumpkin seeds, a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley, or homemade croutons for extra texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
This Creamy Pumpkin and Spinach Soup is excellent for meal prepping. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Add fresh crispy bacon when serving reheated soup for the best experience.
Conclusion: Your New Family Favorite
Whether you call it “Shrek Soup” or its official name, this Creamy Pumpkin and Spinach Soup with Crispy Bacon is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights, a comforting embrace on a cold day, and a clever way to boost your family’s vegetable intake. It’s quick, easy, incredibly versatile, and undeniably delicious. Give it a try, and watch as even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds. We guarantee it will become a cherished recipe in your household!
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Creamy Pumpkin and Spinach Soup with Crispy Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 lbs whole kent or butternut pumpkin washed, peeled, seeded, coarsely chopped
- 2 medium white potatoes ,peeled and coarsely chopped
- 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
- 1 medium brown onion chopped
- 1 pinch salt to season
- Enough water to fill your pot (3/4 full or just covering vegetables)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable stock (I use Vegeta)
- 1/2 cup low fat/light cream (I use Philadelphia Cream for Cooking)
- 10 oz shortcut bacon divided
- 4 cups baby leaf spinach washed
- Extra cream to serve
Instructions
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Combine pumpkin, potatoes, carrots and onion in a medium – large sized pot/saucepan with just enough water to cover the vegetables and salt to season. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, and simmer until all vegetables are soft. Add stock powder, stirring, and taste. (Add more salt or stock powder to suit your tastes). Add the spinach leaves, and push them down gently into the hot water until wilted.
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In another pan, fry 3/4 of the bacon until crisp.
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When bacon is crisp and vegetables are soft, add the cream and bacon to the pot and using a stick-blender or bar mix, blend soup until smooth and lump free. Alternatively, pour ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
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Serve with a drizzle of extra cream and top with remaining bacon.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.