Description
This creamy Butternut Squash Soup is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. With a blend of warm spices and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (or substitute with jalapeño for heat)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock (add more for a thinner soup)
For Garnish:
- Toasted pepitas
- Red chili flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Squash and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cubed butternut squash, onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cayenne (if using), cumin, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 2 minutes to release the flavors of the spices.
- Add Stock and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the squash and vegetables are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth, or transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Blend until silky smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices as desired. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more stock or water.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, then garnish with toasted pepitas, red chili flakes, and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For added creaminess, consider blending in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream before serving.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying the cayenne pepper or adding different spices to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg