Thick & Creamy Pumpkin Soup

| 1 kg pumpkin (, skin and seeds removed, chopped)

onion (, roughly chopped)

medium-sized potatoes (, peeled and diced)

large carrot (, peeled and diced)

low sodium chicken or vegetable broth ((stock))

chicken bouillon cubes (, crumbled)

Salt and pepper to taste ((if needed))

half and half ((or light cream))

cooked bacon (, to serve (optional))

Fresh parsley (, to serve (optional))