Sri Lankan Spiced Pumpkin Soup for Weight Loss

This Sri Lankan-inspired spiced pumpkin soup is a flavorful, low-calorie dish designed to aid weight loss. Made with locally available ingredients like pumpkin, coconut milk, and traditional spices, it’s a hearty, nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for Sri Lankans looking to shed extra pounds.

Cooking Method:

Cooking Time:

Dietary Focus:

, ,

Difficulty Level:

Meal Type:

,

Weight loss based ingredients

  • 1 medium pumpkin (or butternut squash) – peeled and cubed (low-calorie, high-fiber)
  • 1 small onion (diced) – low in calories and adds flavor
  • 1 cup light coconut milk – healthy fats for satiety
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric – anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting
  • 1 teaspoon cumin – aids digestion and fat metabolism
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (minced) – boosts metabolism and reduces appetite
  • 1 green chili (optional) – increases thermogenesis
  • Salt and pepper to taste – enhances flavor without adding calories
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth – keeps the soup light and hydrating
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for sautéing) – healthy fats for energy
  • Fresh curry leaves – adds Sri Lankan flavor and aids digestion

Cooking Methods (Instructions) Focused for Weight Loss

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a small amount of coconut oil. Sauté the diced onion, ginger, and green chili until fragrant.

2. Add the cubed pumpkin, turmeric, cumin, and curry leaves. Stir well to coat the pumpkin with the spices.

3. Pour in the water or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pumpkin is tender (about 20 minutes).

4. Once the pumpkin is soft, blend the mixture using a hand blender or transfer to a blender in batches. Blend until smooth.

5. Return the soup to the pot, stir in the light coconut milk, and heat gently. Avoid boiling to preserve nutrients.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh curry leaves for added flavor.

Weight Loss Tips & Advice

1. Use light coconut milk instead of full-fat to reduce calorie intake while still enjoying the creamy texture.

2. Avoid adding sugar or high-calorie toppings like cheese or croutons. Instead, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

3. Pair this soup with a small portion of steamed or grilled vegetables or a side salad for a complete, low-calorie meal.

4. Consume this soup as a starter before meals to help control portion sizes and reduce overall calorie intake.

Conclusion

This Sri Lankan Spiced Pumpkin Soup is an excellent choice for weight loss as it is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with metabolism-boosting spices like turmeric and cumin. The use of local ingredients like pumpkin and curry leaves makes it accessible and culturally relevant for Sri Lankans. Enjoy this soup regularly as part of a balanced diet to support your weight loss journey in a healthy and sustainable way.