Butternut Squash Soup.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

1. Peel and chop the squash: Start by cutting off both ends of the butternut squash. Peel the skin with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Then, chop the squash into small cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This will help it cook more quickly and evenly. Tip: You can make the process easier by microwaving the squash for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin slightly before peeling.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
2. Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The spices will bring warmth and depth to the soup, enhancing the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.

Step 3: Cook the Squash

1. Add the squash to the pot: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions, garlic, and spices.
2. Add the broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

1. Blend the soup: Once the squash is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until it’s completely smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.
2. Adjust the texture: If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. If you like a richer soup, stir in coconut milk or heavy cream at this stage. This will make the soup extra creamy without being overly heavy.

Step 5: Season to Taste

1. Season the soup: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you want more depth, add an extra pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or sage. You can also top it with croutons, roasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra texture and flavor.
2. Enjoy: This creamy butternut squash soup is best served hot, and it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Butternut Squash Soup

• Roasting the squash: For a deeper, caramelized flavor, you can roast the butternut squash before adding it to the soup. Simply toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Add the roasted squash to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic before adding the broth. This extra step will give the soup a more complex flavor.
• Add a hint of sweetness: If you like your soup a little sweeter, try adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of brown sugar after blending the soup. The sweetness complements the earthy flavor of the squash beautifully.
• Boost the flavor with fresh herbs: Fresh thyme or sage can add a wonderful aromatic touch to the soup. You can also infuse the broth with fresh herbs as it simmers—just remove the sprigs before blending the soup.
• Make it spicy: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the soup. This adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the squash and the creaminess of the soup.
• Vegan or dairy-free option: If you want to keep this soup completely dairy-free, simply omit the cream or coconut milk and serve the soup as is, or swirl in a bit of almond milk for a lighter option.

Why You’ll Love Butternut Squash Soup

• Comfort in a bowl: Butternut squash soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, smooth, and has that perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that are perfect for fall and winter. It’s a dish that’s satisfying without being too heavy.
• Healthy yet indulgent: With its naturally creamy texture, this soup feels indulgent but is made with wholesome ingredients. The butternut squash provides a wealth of vitamins and fiber, while the simple ingredients make it easy to feel good about what you’re eating.
• Versatile: This soup can easily be transformed into a complete meal. Add roasted chicken, turkey, or even crispy bacon for a heartier dish. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or a warm slice of bread for a full, satisfying meal.
• Perfect for meal prep: Butternut squash soup stores beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

Butternut Squash Soup is the ultimate fall comfort food, offering a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for chilly days. With its velvety texture, warming spices, and naturally sweet flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your seasonal cooking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or a starter for a special dinner, this soup brings a cozy touch to any occasion.

So grab a butternut squash, heat up the pot, and start cooking. This delicious, homemade soup is the perfect way to celebrate the season and enjoy the flavors of autumn in every spoonful.