Pumpkin and Pea Damper Soup with Thyme
A warming and rustic soup inspired by the Australian damper tradition, blending smooth pumpkin and fresh peas with fragrant thyme and toasted bread cubes. This australian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs peeled and cubed butternut pumpkin, fresh green peas, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, peeled and cubed butternut pumpkin
- 1 cup fresh green peas
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, toasted damper bread cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut pumpkin and 1 cup fresh green peas, stirring to combine for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and add 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until pumpkin is tender.
- Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each with 1/4 cup toasted damper bread cubes for added texture and a nod to the traditional Australian bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pumpkin and Pea Damper Soup with Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Pumpkin and Pea Damper Soup with Thyme?
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 fresh green peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pumpkin and Pea Damper Soup with Thyme?
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 Pumpkin and Pea Damper Soup with Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pumpkin and Pea Damper Soup with Thyme vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
