Spiced Pumpkin and Kakadu Plum Soup

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

A velvety pumpkin soup infused with warming spices and a tangy Kakadu plum puree that brightens this classic Australian bush-inspired dish. This australian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs butternut pumpkin, peeled and cubed, olive oil, medium onion, diced 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 1 large diced carrot, sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 cups peeled and cubed butternut pumpkin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Stir to coat the pumpkin with spices and vegetables.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until pumpkin is very tender.
  4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Return to pot and stir in 2 tbsp Kakadu plum puree, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat gently for 3 minutes to combine flavors.
  5. Step 5: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each with 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Pumpkin and Kakadu Plum Soup take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Spiced Pumpkin and Kakadu Plum Soup?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pumpkin and Kakadu Plum Soup?

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 Spiced Pumpkin and Kakadu Plum Soup 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 Spiced Pumpkin and Kakadu Plum Soup 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.

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