Because You Deserve More Than a Cup-a-Soup Packet
Winter in Melbourne means scarves, slippers, and the ever-present question: “Is that a cold coming on, or am I just tired of existing?” If your immune system is waving a white flag and your sinuses feel like they’re full of cement, it’s time to call in reinforcements. And by that, I mean this silky, golden, anti-inflammatory hero: Turmeric Pumpkin Soup.
It’s velvety. It’s vibrant. And it looks like sunshine in a bowl, which frankly we could all use more of in June.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
This soup is like a warm bath for your insides. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel instantly more put-together—even if you’re still in trackpants and haven’t spoken to another human all day. It’s also ridiculously easy to make, cheap as chips, and secretly full of nutrients.
Oh, and did I mention it’s basically the colour of happiness?
🎃 Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 1 cup pumpkin, diced (butternut or Jap both work)
- ½ small onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 cup veggie stock
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🍲 Method
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant—about 3–4 minutes. (Basically, until it smells like you know what you’re doing.)
- Add the diced pumpkin, turmeric, and veggie stock.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the pumpkin is fork-tender and your kitchen smells like a wellness café.
- Blend using a stick blender, or mash it up with a fork for a chunkier, rustic vibe.
- Season to taste and enjoy warm. Blanket optional, but strongly recommended.
💡 Handy Hints
- No blender? No worries. A good old-fashioned potato masher does the trick. Call it “textured” and pretend it was on purpose.
- Want a creamier soup? Add a splash of coconut milk at the end.
- Leftover pumpkin? Dice and freeze it for next time—you’ll thank yourself later.
💪 Nutritional Benefits (AKA Why Your Immune System Loves This)
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory that’s basically the superhero of the spice drawer.
- Pumpkin: Packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene—great for eye health, skin glow, and immunity.
- Garlic: An ancient remedy that’s still one of the best for fending off colds and keeping your immune system in fighting shape.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps your body absorb all the fat-soluble vitamins (and makes everything taste better, let’s be honest).
🔄 Twists & Substitutions
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or ground cumin for extra warmth.
- Add protein: Stir in some cooked red lentils or top with Greek yoghurt.
- Make it a meal: Serve with a slice of sourdough or toast a pita triangle for dipping.
- For guests (or leftovers): Double or triple the ingredients—it freezes beautifully.
📣 Feeling Toasty? Let Us Know!
If this bowl of sunshine hit the spot, don’t keep it to yourself!
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💬 Drop a comment—did you tweak it? Add chilli? Use sweet potato instead? Tell us!
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