Seasonal Cacao Soup Blend (Printable Version)
Earthy cacao combined with seasonal vegetables and spices offers a comforting and flavorful soup experience.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
07 - 1 small parsnip, peeled and diced (optional)
→ Liquids
08 - 4 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
→ Flavor Base
10 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, toasted
17 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
18 - Coconut cream drizzle (optional)
# How To Make:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
02 - Stir in garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, and parsnip if using. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to begin softening.
03 - Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, chili flakes, and cacao powder. Stir well to coat vegetables evenly and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until all vegetables are completely tender.
05 - Stir in coconut milk. Use an immersion blender to puree until completely smooth, or leave slightly chunky if preferred. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Ladle into warmed bowls. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs, and a swirl of coconut cream if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The earthy cacao creates a depth that feels like a secret ingredient everyone will try to guess
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like something that simmered all day
- Even people who swear they hate soup ask for seconds
02 -
- Adding cacao directly to hot liquid creates clumps, always bloom it on the vegetables first
- The soup continues to thicken as it sits, thin with extra broth if reheating the next day
- Salt is critical here, cacao needs more than you would add to a regular soup
03 -
- Toast your pumpkin seeds in a dry pan until they smell nutty and pop occasionally
- Make a double batch, it freezes beautifully for those nights you cannot cook