Creamy Butternut Squash Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and belly. This velvety soup is perfect for cool autumn days or as a comforting starter for dinner parties. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, you’ll find that it’s both nourishing and satisfying. Let’s dive into this comforting recipe together.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 215
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
Why Make This Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup shines not only in flavor but also in nutrition. Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, making this soup a healthful option. The addition of coconut milk adds creaminess while keeping it dairy-free. This soup is not only simple to make but also offers a satisfying sweetness from the squash, balanced with savory spices. It’s a recipe that looks impressive but requires minimal effort, making it perfect for novice cooks and busy families alike.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the diced butternut squash to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the squash to soften slightly.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Step 4: Finishing
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. For a blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to avoid splattering. Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. Heat through and serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Serve your creamy butternut squash soup in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. For an extra fancy touch, garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds or croutons. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
How to Store Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool the soup completely and pour it into freezer-safe containers. It can be enjoyed for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
- For an even richer flavor, roast your butternut squash instead of boiling it. Cut it in half, remove the seeds, brush it with olive oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup to your preference by adding more or less vegetable broth.
- If you want a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a subtle kick.
- Experiment with different variations of oils like sesame or avocado oil for unique flavor profiles.
Delicious Variations
- Curried Butternut Squash Soup: Add 1-2 tablespoons of curry powder when sautéing the onion and garlic for a warm, spicy variation.
- Apple and Butternut Squash Soup: Incorporate 1 or 2 diced apples when cooking the squash for a sweet, fruity twist.
- Ginger Butternut Soup: Add a tablespoon of fresh grated ginger to the broth for an aromatic kick that complements the squash perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, using coconut milk and vegetable broth. -
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
You can use a regular blender. Just be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches to avoid splattering. -
Can I substitute the coconut milk?
Yes, you can use any dairy milk or a nut milk like almond, although this will change the flavor and creaminess slightly. -
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the soup longer to evaporate some liquid or blend in a potato. -
How do I know if the butternut squash is ripe?
A ripe butternut squash should be firm to the touch, heavy for its size, and have a uniform beige color without soft spots.
Conclusion
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup is not just a seasonal delight; it’s a recipe that brings warmth and nourishment. Easy to prepare, this soup becomes a comforting staple in any kitchen. We encourage you to try making this dish yourself, as its wonderful flavors and textures are bound to impress your family and friends alike. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delightful and velvety soup perfect for autumn days, packed with nourishing flavors and a smooth texture.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced butternut squash to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the squash to soften slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. For a blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to avoid splattering. Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. Heat through and serve warm.
Notes
Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. Pairs well with crusty bread or a green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
