Alternative to milk or cream is to use coconut milk; and add fresh grated or sliced ginger & some caramelized onion; add a red pepper or three, depending on taste, then puree.
Check for recipes for Japanese Kabocha Squash Soup; and Thai Pumpkin-Ginger Soup, then synthesize; you can use winter squash or pumpkin interchangeably.
Cheapest & easiest coconut milk or coconut creme is the new dehydrated packets. They take up little shelf space, and have a much longer shelf life than most cans. Also, each packet (10 pks/box) makes 8 oz of coconut milk (or 4 oz creme), as opposed to a 14 oz can, so it’s easier to make smaller recipes without having to deal with leftover liquid.
http://importfood.com/spct5601.html They frequently have specials on shipping; been buying stuff from them for years. They also have an extensive recipe collection to reference.