Butternut squash soup is a smooth, creamy soup made primarily from roasted or boiled butternut squash. It typically includes vegetables such as onions and garlic, along with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Coconut milk adds richness, while vegetable or chicken broth provides depth of flavor. The soup is a comforting dish, perfect for colder months.
Preparing butternut squash soup takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep work, including chopping vegetables and garlic. Cooking the soup takes about 30 minutes, depending on how soft you want the squash to be. Once the squash is tender, blending it into a creamy consistency adds another 5 to 10 minutes.
Many find butternut squash soup to be an ideal dish for sharing during family meals or gatherings. The simplicity of the recipe allows for easy customization, whether by adjusting the level of spiciness or adding additional ingredients. The creamy texture and sweet flavors always seem to satisfy everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love It Butternut Squash Soup
- Rich Flavor: Butternut squash soup has a naturally sweet and creamy texture, making each spoonful comforting. The warmth from roasted squash blends perfectly with spices, offering a satisfying taste that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins A and C, this soup supports immune health. It’s also a great source of fiber, making it filling without being heavy. Plus, it’s low in calories and easy on digestion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and simple, requiring just a few ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll appreciate how effortless it is to prepare. The result is always delicious and satisfying.
Ingredient Notes for a Butternut Squash Soup
- Butternut Squash: The main ingredient in this soup, butternut squash, has a smooth texture and naturally sweet flavor. It adds richness and depth to the soup, making it comforting and filling.
- Onion: Onions provide a savory base, enhancing the flavor of the soup. They become sweet and soft when cooked, balancing the butternut squash’s sweetness.
- Garlic Cloves: Garlic gives the soup a fragrant, savory depth. Roasting or sautéing garlic before adding it to the soup brings out its natural sweetness.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The broth adds liquid and flavor to the soup. You can choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for a heartier, richer taste.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and adding healthy fats. It also brings a subtle richness to the soup’s flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the butternut squash. It enhances the overall depth of the soup.
- Ground Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds a sweet-spicy kick, making the soup more aromatic and balanced.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg brings a mild, sweet spice that complements the cinnamon and adds a cozy, comforting note to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: These are essential for seasoning, helping to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust according to taste.
- Coconut Milk: Coconut milk gives the soup a creamy texture and a subtle tropical flavor. It also helps balance the savory spices.
- Fresh Parsley or Thyme: Fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, are used as garnish. They add a fresh, green note that brightens up the richness of the soup.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch to Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. To make it even better, you can customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of curry powder for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
The texture of the soup can also be adjusted. For a silky smooth consistency, blend the soup thoroughly. If you prefer more texture, leave it slightly chunky. You can use an immersion blender or a regular blender, depending on your kitchen tools and preference.
A great way to elevate the flavor is by roasting the butternut squash before adding it to the soup. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and adds a lovely caramelized taste to the base. Don’t forget to season the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
Butternut Squash Soup Variation
If you want to change up the flavor or make your butternut squash soup a little different, there are plenty of variations to try. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Butternut Squash Soup: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder to give the soup a spicy kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Ginger Butternut Squash Soup: Add freshly grated ginger for a zesty and aromatic twist. This pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the squash.
- Apple and Butternut Squash Soup: For a slightly sweeter flavor, try adding chopped apples to the soup. The sweetness of the apples enhances the squash and adds a nice texture.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Roast the squash in the oven before adding it to the soup for a caramelized, deeper flavor. Simply place the cubed squash on a baking sheet and roast it at 400°F for 25 minutes before using it in your soup.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is versatile in how you serve it. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dish:
- Garnish: Top the soup with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of roasted seeds for extra crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme also make a great garnish.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll. You can even serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort meal.
- Serve Cold: Butternut squash soup can also be served cold, similar to a chilled soup like gazpacho. This works especially well in warmer weather.
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, you can add cooked chicken, bacon, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra protein and richness.
Storage Options
If you have leftover butternut squash soup, it stores very well for later. Here’s how you can keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before reheating, give it a good stir as it may thicken while cooling.
- Freeze: Butternut squash soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove.
- Reheat: To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs About Butternut Squash Soup
Is butternut squash soup healthy?
Yes, butternut squash soup is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy option. It’s also low in calories and high in antioxidants, especially vitamin A, which is great for your immune system.
How do you make butternut squash soup?
To make butternut squash soup, roast chopped squash and then blend it with sautéed onions, garlic, and vegetable broth until smooth. You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even curry powder for extra flavor.
Can I make butternut squash soup ahead of time?
Yes, butternut squash soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months, making it a great meal prep option.
What can I serve with butternut squash soup?
Butternut squash soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a dollop of sour cream. For added protein, you can also serve it with grilled chicken or a sprinkle of cheese.
Best Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook the Squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot. Stir it around to coat in the oils and spices. Sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the squash cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to enhance the flavor.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, making sure the squash is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Once the squash is tender, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until it’s silky smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches. Be sure to cover the blender lid with a towel to avoid splatters.
- Add Coconut Milk: Stir in the coconut milk (or cream) to give the soup a rich, velvety texture. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve hot and enjoy!
