Simple and Delicious Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

When the temperatures start to drop, nothing beats a warm bowl of soup. And one that’s particularly popular is butternut squash soup. It’s hearty, nutritious, and delicious. But making soup from scratch can be intimidating, so here’s a no-fuss recipe for butternut squash soup that you can make with just a few simple ingredients.

Firstly, you need to get your hands on a butternut squash. Look for one that is firm, heavy, and has a smooth skin. Once you’ve got your squash, you’ll need to cut it open and scoop out the seeds. Then, you can peel and dice the flesh into small cubes. This may take a bit of time and effort, but it’s worth it as you’ll end up with a smooth and velvety soup. Once you’ve prepped the squash, you can get started on the rest of the recipe.

1. Ingredients for Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a perfect fall and winter recipe that will warm you up on a chilly day. The first step to making this delicious soup is to gather the necessary ingredients. For a traditional recipe, you will need:

– 1 medium-sized butternut squash
– 1 onion
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 4 cups of vegetable broth
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 cup of heavy cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste

2. How to Choose the Right Butternut Squash

Choosing the right butternut squash is crucial for the success of your soup. You want to pick a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of bruises or soft spots. The stem should be intact and dry. If you plan on roasting your butternut squash first, look for a squash with a long neck and a smaller bulbous end.

3. Roasting Your Butternut Squash

Roasting your butternut squash before making soup is an optional but highly recommended step. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavour of the butternut squash. To roast your squash, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and cube the squash, removing the seeds, and toss them in olive oil. Roast for about 30-40 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized.

4. Preparing the Onions and Garlic

While your butternut squash is roasting, it’s time to prepare your onions and garlic. Finely chop your onions and garlic cloves, and sauté them in a large pot with a tablespoon of olive oil until they are soft and translucent.

5. Making Butternut Squash Soup on the Stovetop

Once your roasted butternut squash is ready, add it to the pot with your onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, add the thyme and bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the squash is tender.

6. Blending Your Soup

Once your soup is cooked, it’s time to blend it until smooth. You can use a blender or immersion blender, depending on what you have on hand. If you’re using a blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches. If you’re using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy.

7. Adding Cream for an Extra Creamy Soup

For an extra creamy and luxurious soup, you can add a cup of heavy cream to your blended soup. Stir the cream in gently and heat the soup over low heat until it’s warmed through.

8. Adjusting Seasonings

Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add additional herbs or spices to your liking, such as nutmeg, sage, or cumin.

9. Serving and Storing Your Butternut Squash Soup

Serve your butternut squash soup hot and with a dollop of sour cream, croutons, or fresh herbs on top. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

10. Variations on Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a versatile recipe that you can tweak to your liking. You can add a caramelized apple or pear for sweetness, use different types of broth, or switch up the spices. You can even make a butternut squash soup with coconut milk for a vegan and dairy-free option. Be creative and let your taste buds guide you!

Ingredients

Before jumping into the cooking, the first thing you need to ensure is that all the necessary ingredients are on hand. Making butternut squash soup requires minimal ingredients, which also makes the preparation easier. Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare butternut squash soup:

1. Butternut Squash: This winter squash is the star ingredient of the recipe and is full of nutrients and antioxidants, making it the perfect addition to your diet.

2. Vegetable Broth: The vegetable broth will act as the base of the soup, helping to create that delicious silky texture. To save time, you can also use chicken broth or water instead.

3. Olive Oil: Olive oil helps in roasting the butternut squash and brings out its natural sweetness. It also adds a rich flavour to the soup.

4. Onion: Adding onions to the recipe enhances the flavours of the soup and creates a savoury taste.

5. Garlic: Garlic adds a strong, distinct flavour to the soup. It has various health benefits, including boosting the immune system.

6. Salt and Pepper: Adding salt and pepper helps to balance the taste of the soup and enhance its flavour.

7. Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a key ingredient that adds a delicate sweetness to the soup, enhancing its flavour profile.

8. Cream: Adding a dollop of cream/tofu/vegan cream at the end of the recipe will help to achieve that perfect creamy texture and richness to the soup.

9. Butter: Butter adds richness to the texture and enhances the flavours of the soup.

10. Bay Leaves: Bay leaves can add a warm, earthy flavour to the soup, which pairs well with the butternut squash flavour.

Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to get started on preparing the soup.

3. Ingredients and Preparation

Making butternut squash soup may seem a bit intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. Before you get cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients listed below. This recipe serves four people:

Once you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Begin by peeling and dicing the butternut squash. In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the diced onions and garlic until they are tender and translucent. Then, add in the diced butternut squash and cook for another five minutes.

Next, add the vegetable stock and spices (cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and pepper) to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and cooked through.

Once the squash is cooked, turn off the heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy using a blender or immersion blender.

After blending, place the mixture back into the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Reheat the soup and serve hot with garnishes such as croutons, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Making butternut squash soup is a simple and delicious way to take advantage of this fall favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a hearty and warming soup that’s perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?

Time to Enjoy Your Homemade Butternut Squash Soup

Congratulations! You have successfully made a delicious and hearty butternut squash soup. Why not enjoy it with some fresh bread or a salad on the side? Sit down, relax, and savor the tastes and aromas of your creation. Thanks for reading and I hope you visit again soon for more recipes and cooking tips. Who knows, your next experiment in the kitchen might be even more successful than this one!