3cupspumpkincut into cubes or sliced (sugar pie, kabocha, or butternut)
1onionpeeled and quartered
1red bell pepperhalved, seeded
4garlic clovesin skin
2tablespoonsolive oil
3sprigs fresh thyme
Salt & pepper
For the soup:
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
½teaspoonground coriander
4cupsvegetable or fish stockor chicken
½cupcreamhalf-and-half, or Greek yogurt
1teaspoonDijon mustard
1tablespoonlemon juiceplus extra wedges for serving
12ozfresh salmon fillet skin removed
Optional finishing touches:
1tablespoonbalsamic vinegar or drizzle of balsamic reduction
smoked paprika for sprinkling
Crème fraîche or a dollop of Greek yogurt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the cut up pumpkin, red pepper halves, onion quarters, garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast 30–40 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender, onions golden, and red pepper skin blistered.
Remove thyme stems.
Peel the red pepper skin if desired (optional for a silkier soup). Scoop the pumpkin flesh.
Squeeze roasted garlic from skins
Transfer all roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Blend with about 1 cup of stock until smooth.
Pour the purée into a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Stir in remaining stock, smoked paprika, coriander, cream, and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Season salmon with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and optional thyme. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, until just cooked through and slightly golden. Let rest a few minutes, then break into chunks.
Add roasted salmon chunks to the soup at the end, or place on top of each bowl for presentation.
Stir in lemon juice and optional balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Ladle into bowls. Top with fresh herbs, drizzle with balsamic reduction, swirl in crème fraîche or Greek yogurt, and sprinkle smoked paprika if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Roast for flavor - roasting the pumpkin, onion, red bell pepper and garlic deepens the soup’s flavor and adds a subtle caramel sweetness. Smooth base - for an ultra-creamy texture, blend the roasted vegetables until completely smooth. Let it rest- after roasting let the salmon rest few minutes before flaking into the soup to preserve juiciness and flavor.Prep ahead - roast the pumpkin base a day in advance to save time.