Discover how to make a truly amazing butternut squash soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or as a starter for special dinners. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with savory spices for a comforting bowl of soup.
Ingredients for Butternut Squash Soup
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional garnish: Fresh cream, chopped parsley, or toasted pumpkin seeds
How to Make Butternut Squash Soup
- Preparation:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Adding Squash and Spices:
- Add cubed butternut squash to the pot. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the squash and vegetables with the spices.
- Simmering:
- Pour in vegetable broth, enough to cover the vegetables and squash. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blending:
- Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer batches of soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids.
- Adjusting Consistency and Seasoning:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serving:
- Ladle the butternut squash soup into bowls. Garnish with a swirl of fresh cream, chopped parsley, or toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.
About the Main Ingredients
- Butternut Squash: Provides a naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture when cooked, making it ideal for soups.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): Add warmth and depth of flavor to the soup, complementing the sweetness of the squash.
- Vegetable Broth: Enhances the savory profile of the soup and ensures it remains vegetarian-friendly. Chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian version.
Enjoy this amazing butternut squash soup as a comforting meal on chilly days, or serve it as an elegant starter for your next dinner party. Its rich flavors and velvety texture will surely impress your guests and warm your soul.