Caribbean Pumpkin and Coconut Soup with Scotch Bonnet Heat

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety pumpkin soup enriched with creamy coconut milk and a hint of fiery Scotch bonnet pepper for a warming Caribbean-inspired dish. This caribbean-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs pumpkin puree, coconut milk (full fat), vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 small seeded and finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 cups pumpkin puree, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Return to low heat and stir in 1 cup full-fat coconut milk and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Heat through for 3-4 minutes without boiling.
  4. Step 4: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Pumpkin and Coconut Soup with Scotch Bonnet Heat take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean Pumpkin and Coconut Soup with Scotch Bonnet Heat?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pumpkin puree from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Pumpkin and Coconut Soup with Scotch Bonnet Heat?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean Pumpkin and Coconut Soup with Scotch Bonnet Heat for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Caribbean Pumpkin and Coconut Soup with Scotch Bonnet Heat vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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