Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large carrot, chopped

• 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed

• 4 cups fresh pumpkin (peeled and cubed) or canned pumpkin puree

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free version)

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Garnishes (Halloween Style)

• A swirl of cream or coconut milk

• Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

• Croutons shaped like bats or ghosts (use Halloween cookie cutters)

• Fresh parsley or chives