Warm up with this comforting Butternut Squash Soup, a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. This easy recipe will guide you through creating a velvety smooth soup that’s ideal for chilly days or as a starter for your next meal.
Ingredients for Easy Butternut Squash Soup:
- Butternut Squash: 1 large (about 3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Carrot: 1 large, peeled and chopped
- Celery: 1 stalk, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups
- Coconut Milk: 1 cup (optional, for creaminess)
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: 1 tsp, or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp, freshly ground
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/4 tsp (optional, for added warmth)
- Fresh Thyme: 1-2 sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Easy Butternut Squash Soup:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Chop the onion, carrot, celery, and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cook the Squash:
- Add cubed butternut squash to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth until the squash is just covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids.
5. Add Coconut Milk (Optional):
- Stir in coconut milk for added creaminess and richness. Season with salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the butternut squash soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of coconut milk if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
About the Main Ingredients:
Butternut Squash: Known for its sweet, nutty flavor and smooth texture when cooked, butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, making it a nutritious addition to soups.
Vegetable Broth: Provides a savory base for the soup, enhancing the flavors of the vegetables without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the butternut squash.
Coconut Milk (Optional): Adds creaminess and a subtle tropical flavor to the soup. It’s a dairy-free alternative that complements the butternut squash’s natural sweetness.
Enjoy this Easy Butternut Squash Soup as a comforting meal on its own or as a delightful starter for any occasion. Its velvety texture and rich flavors will warm you from the inside out, making it a favorite for cool weather days.
