Jamaican Pumpkin Chickpea Soup

Name: Jamaican Pumpkin Chickpea Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium pumpkin, peeled and diced; 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can coconut milk; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 2 teaspoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon allspice; 4 cups vegetable broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Local Kitchen

I absolutely love making Jamaican Pumpkin Chickpea Soup, especially on a chilly evening. The combination of tender pumpkin and hearty chickpeas creates a comforting dish that's both nourishing and satisfying. This recipe has a beautiful mix of spices that transports me right to the vibrant streets of Jamaica. Plus, it's quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Dive into the rich flavors and experience the warmth of this delightful soup, which is sure to become a favorite in your home as it has in mine!

Created by

Primrose Cavendish

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:42:34.243Z

When I first tried Jamaican Pumpkin Chickpea Soup, I was mesmerized by the vibrant flavors that danced in my mouth. The use of coconut milk gives it a creamy texture while enhancing the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. To make the dish even more enjoyable, I often add a pinch of nutmeg, which gives it an unexpected twist that leaves everyone asking for the recipe!

Taking the time to sauté the spices before adding the vegetables really allows their aromas to bloom, bringing out deeper flavors. I recommend using fresh pumpkin for the best results, as its sweetness pairs beautifully with the chickpeas, creating a hearty meal that warms both the body and soul.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Aromatic blend of spices that invigorate the senses
Creamy coconut milk balances the hearty texture of chickpeas
A delicious way to enjoy seasonal pumpkin

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The heart of this Jamaican Pumpkin Chickpea Soup is undoubtedly the pumpkin. When selecting your pumpkin, aim for one that feels firm with a smooth skin. Varieties like butternut or sugar pumpkin work well for their sweetness and creamy texture. By ensuring an evenly diced pumpkin, it will cook uniformly, resulting in that tender melt-in-your-mouth experience as it infuses the broth with its natural sweetness.

Chickpeas bring a wonderful creaminess to the soup and provide a solid protein boost. Using canned chickpeas saves time, but if you prefer dried ones, soak and cook them until tender beforehand. Draining and rinsing canned chickpeas not only reduces sodium but also helps to enhance their flavor, allowing them to absorb the spices better in this dish.

Cooking Techniques for Depth of Flavor

Sautéing the aromatics – onion, garlic, and ginger – is crucial for developing a rich flavor base. Cook them on medium heat just until the onion begins to turn golden and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step lays the foundation for the other ingredients, allowing their flavors to bloom. If you notice the garlic browning too quickly, lower the heat to prevent a bitter taste.

When blending the soup, an immersion blender is ideal as it allows for easy processing right in the pot. Blend until smooth for a luxurious texture. If you prefer a chunkier style, blend only half of the soup and stir it back in, giving you contrasting textures with each spoonful. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, taking care to vent the lid to avoid splatters.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delicious bowl of Jamaican Pumpkin Chickpea Soup:

Ingredients

1 medium pumpkin, peeled and diced
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can coconut milk
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon allspice
4 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and nutrition!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious soup:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the Spices

Stir in the curry powder and allspice, cooking for another minute until the spices are fragrant.

Combine the Main Ingredients

Add the diced pumpkin and chickpeas to the pot, mixing well. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.

Blend and Season

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy this comforting and nutritious soup warm!

Pro Tips

Adding a splash of lime juice right before serving enhances the flavors beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup is a fantastic make-ahead option, as the flavors only deepen with time. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or coconut milk if it thickens too much.

For long-term storage, consider freezing the soup in portions. After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags. Lay the bags flat in the freezer for compact storage. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave, then warm on the stovetop until heated through.

Flavor Variations and Additions

Feel free to customize this soup by incorporating other ingredients. Leafy greens like spinach or kale can be added during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrition. Alternatively, to spice things up, you can toss in a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions for a zesty kick.

If you want a bit more texture, consider adding toasted pumpkin seeds as a topping. They add a delightful crunch and pair perfectly with the creamy soup. You can also drizzle a bit of lime juice or coconut cream on top just before serving for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of legume instead of chickpeas?

Yes! You can substitute lentils or black beans for a different texture and flavor.

→ Is there a way to make this soup spicier?

Absolutely! Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors actually improve as it sits, so you can make it one or two days in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!