Canned pumpkin can be used to create creamy soups without butter or cream. Pumpkin is high in starch, which adds thickness to the soup. The amount of pumpkin used determines the flavor intensity. In a pumpkin-centric soup, other autumnal flavors like nutmeg and sage can be added. Alternatively, a smaller amount of pumpkin can be used to thicken the soup without overpowering the taste. Complementary ingredients like carrots or strong flavors like ginger can mask the pumpkin flavor. Black beans also pair well with pumpkin.