Pumpkin soup is a real taste treat, even if the idea of an orange soup seems a little strange. Many people have never even tried the more common hot pumpkin bisque that is often made for Thanksgiving. However, if you have not had sweet, delicious cold pumpkin soup yet, you are missing out on a really delicious experience.

Serve it up in mugs, bowls, or even in a hollowed pumpkin as a great central dish. Add a little chopped parsley or ground cinnamon or cloves on top to complement the color and taste, and be sure to enjoy. Your family might be skeptical at first, but hot or cold, pumpkin soup is a delightful option.

Pumpkin is not only delicious and creamy, but also packed with nutrients. Full of fiber, vitamin A, iron, and vitamin C, it is a wonderful way to get your nutrients without having to feel like you are eating your vegetables. Even kids will love this soup, once they give it a try. Getting them to enjoy eating healthily has never been easier.

For something a little out of the ordinary, try an Asian inspired easy pumpkin soup recipe with spices, carrot, and coconut. It is great in hot weather, when the first pumpkins are appearing at roadside stands, but the temperature has not yet dropped. Of course, for the dog days in midsummer when pumpkins are nowhere to be found, you can use canned or frozen pumpkin instead.

The ideal type of pumpkin to use in a soup of this kind is the smaller kind, often called a pie pumpkin or sugar pumpkin. Do not make the mistake of using the kind you would give the kids to carve up on Halloween. Pie pumpkins are specially bred for eating, not looks, and will be sweeter, smaller, and more tender than their bigger, woodier cousins will. Prep these pumpkins for cooking by slicing them in half and removing the seeds, then chop them into wedges.

Next, peel your pumpkin and cook the flesh until it is soft, or boil or bake it, then scoop the meat out of the skin once the pieces have cooled off. Either way, compost the parings or use them to make stock, then mash the pulp or put it in the blender.

Savory ingredients like garlic and onion go very well in pumpkin soups. Make them creamy and rich with cream or dairy milk, or soy or coconut milk. Vegetable or chicken broth can be used instead of water in these soups. They add more flavor. Blend the soup partially or completely, depending on the texture you prefer, then chill your soup and serve. Many people do not think of serving soup cold but it really is a delightful change and is so nice on a warm night.