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!
Notes
When preparing butternut squash soup, the quality of your ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor. Fresh butternut squash will add a natural sweetness that frozen or canned versions just can’t replicate. The coconut milk (or cream) gives the soup a luxurious texture, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with low-fat milk or leave it out entirely. For extra flavor, consider roasting the squash before adding it to the soup—this caramelizes the sugars and brings out even more depth of flavor.