Soothing Soup, Soothing Soul: A Golden Autumn Bowl to Nourish Body & Mind
- Carla
- Sep 26
- 2 min read

As we shift into the softer rhythms of autumn in the UK, it’s natural to crave warmth, not just in temperature, but in comfort and intention. This time of year invites us to slow down, reflect, and nourish. It’s a season for returning to the rituals that soothe both our bodies and our hearts.
This month, I’ve been inspired by a beautiful poem called “Yellow” from Growing Brave by Donna Ashworth, a gentle, soul-soothing collection that encourages us to be softer with ourselves. The piece speaks of light, warmth, and courage in quiet forms, much like the golden hues of the soup recipe I’m sharing today.
Just as those words nourish the spirit, this recipe will soothe the stomach, with anti-inflammatory ingredients, vibrant colours, and immune-supporting nutrients that offer comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeling a little emotionally tender, physically tired, or simply craving something hearty and wholesome, this bowl is for you.
🥣 Golden Roasted Pumpkin & Carrot Soup (Serves 4)
A vibrant, autumn-inspired soup packed with vitamin A, warming spices, and gut-loving fibre.
Ingredients
500g pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled & diced
3 medium carrots, chopped
1 onion, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp turmeric (for warmth + colour)
1 tsp ground cumin
750ml vegetable stock (low salt if possible)
100ml coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Pumpkin seeds & fresh parsley (to garnish)
Method
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
Toss pumpkin, carrot, onion, and garlic with olive oil, turmeric, and cumin. Roast on a tray for 25–30 mins until tender and golden.
Tip roasted veg into a large pan, add stock, bring to a simmer for 5 mins.
Blend until smooth. Stir in coconut milk if using.
Season to taste.
To serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with: ✨ Crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds ✨ A swirl of coconut milk ✨ A sprinkle of fresh parsley
💪 Optional Protein-Packed Toppers
To turn your bowl into a satisfying lunch or light dinner, try one of these protein-enhancing toppers:
🥙 Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas
1 tin chickpeas (400g), drained & rinsed
1 tsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika or cumin
Pinch of salt
Roast at 200°C for 20–25 mins until golden and crunchy. Adds ~7g protein per serving and a lovely texture contrast.
🥛 Greek Yoghurt Swirl
2 tbsp thick Greek yoghurt
Squeeze of lemon juice
Pinch of black pepper
Stir and swirl into your soup before serving. Adds creaminess + ~5g protein.
🍁 Why This Soup Supports You
✨ Beta-Carotene + Vitamin A from pumpkin and carrots
✨ Anti-inflammatory turmeric & cumin for joints and digestion
✨ Fibre to feed your gut microbiome
✨ Healthy fats from olive oil and seeds to support hormone balance
✨ Versatile protein options to make it more filling
Whether you're curled up with a warm bowl and a good book, or sharing this golden soup with family, know that you're honouring your body, and your emotions, with every bite.
💛 Let food be part of your healing and your grounding this season.
🌐 Explore More Support for Your Gut, Hormones & Heart
If you’re seeking personalised nutrition guidance that aligns with your health goals and the season of life you're in, I offer 1:1 support tailored to your unique needs.







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