Butternut Squash Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort, rich in flavor and creamy texture. Made with fresh, simple ingredients, it shines as both a hearty main or a welcoming starter, pairing wonderfully with everything from a slice of crusty bread to robust meats.
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I made this Butternut Squash Soup to have just the right balance of sweetness, warmth, and depth, using the best squash and aromatic herbs. It's a soup we can easily tweak together to make it just right for you.
Whether you're looking to cozy up on a chilly day or add a warm touch to your meals, this soup is more than a winter treat. It's perfect for embracing autumn, elevating your Thanksgiving, and bringing comfort to our holiday gatherings.
Dive into the World of Squash Recipes:
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Roasted Acorn Squash
- Spaghetti Squash
- Roasted Pumpkin
- Pumpkin Puree
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To prepare this Butternut Squash Soup, you'll need some basic seasonings and herbs, all of which are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here's what we'll need:
- Butternut Squash: Choose a medium-sized squash with a matte, beige skin for the best flavor and texture in our soup. It should sound hollow when tapped, ensuring great flavor and texture.
- Broth: I use chicken broth to give the soup a rich, savory foundation. If you're keeping it vegetarian, swap in vegetable broth without losing any of that depth.
- Cream: A bit of heavy cream swirled in at the end makes the soup luxuriously creamy. Opt for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and ginger are non-negotiables for building that essential, warm base flavor. Sautéing them first is my little trick for maximum taste.
- Herbs: Sage and rosemary bring those deep, earthy aromas to our soup, taking its flavor up a notch. And for a fresh twist, I sometimes sprinkle in some parsley or cilantro.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of light olive oil ties all the flavors together, enhancing the soup's character without overpowering it.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper are the essentials here, laying the groundwork for flavor. But don't hesitate to get creative with cinnamon, nutmeg, or chipotle seasoning to tailor the soup just to your liking.
How to Make Butternut Squash Soup at Home?
Let's make Butternut Squash Soup together! I'll guide you through peeling, chopping, and sautéing, with photos and a video to help. We'll turn fresh ingredients into a creamy, comforting soup. Let's start cooking!
Discover More Comforting Soup Recipes:
- Pumpkin Soup
- Potato Soup
- Tomato Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Lentil Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Egg Drop Soup
Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb Butternut Squash, peeled and diced
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Ginger, chopped
- 1½ tsp Rosemary Leaves, minced
- 1 tsp Sage Leaves, chopped
- 4 cups Chicken Broth, or veg broth
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper Powder, to taste
- 3 tbsp Heavy Cream, optional
- Cilantro Leaves, chopped, to garnish
Instructions
Preparing Butternut Squash Soup
- Start by peeling the squash and slicing it in half. You can choose between a vertical or horizontal cut, whichever you find easier. This step ensures the squash is prepped for effortless scooping and chopping, resulting in uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
- After removing the seeds, proceed to cut the squash into bite-sized pieces. Remember not to discard the seeds; instead, toast them for a delightful soup topping. It's essential to ensure that your squash pieces are evenly sized, as this promotes uniform cooking and ensures a smooth blend.
- Heat a wide-bottomed pan over medium heat and add oil, onion, garlic, ginger, sage, and rosemary. Allow them to sauté until they turn soft and aromatic. Sautéing the aromatics is crucial as it releases their flavors, creating a fragrant base for your soup.
- Once the aromatics are softened, add the chopped squash to the pan and season it with salt. Cook the squash until it slightly softens, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes. This step allows the squash to develop its flavor and become tender.
- Pour in the broth and give everything a good mix. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, as adding the broth provides the essential liquid base for the soup. Boiling further helps to marry the flavors and soften the squash.
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with its lid. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. This simmering step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and intensify while gently cooking the squash to perfection.
- After the mentioned simmering time, uncover the pan and check the squash's tenderness with a fork. If it pierces easily, it's ready for the next step. If not, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired softness before blending.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Once it has cooled down, blend it using an immersion blender until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Blending is key as it creates the velvety texture and blends the flavors together seamlessly.
- Finally, season your velvety soup with a drizzle of heavy cream, some freshly ground black pepper, and a garnish of chopped cilantro. Your creamy Butternut Squash Soup is now ready to be enjoyed! Garnishing not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor of the soup, making each spoonful a delightful treat for your senses.
Serving
- Pair this Butternut Squash soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For more paring ideas, check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Handle with Care: Cutting butternut squash requires attention. Use a sharp, sturdy knife and secure the squash on a cutting board. Take your time with each cut to ensure safety and get the perfect size for even cooking.
- Blend in Batches: For a smooth texture, blend the soup in manageable batches, especially if you're not using an immersion blender. Let the soup cool a bit first to avoid heat build-up and potential splatters, which keeps your kitchen mess-free and safe.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is thicker or thinner than you like, simply add more broth to thin it or let it simmer longer to thicken. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go to ensure the flavor is just right.
- Consider Roasting: This recipe doesn't necessarily call for it, but roasting the butternut squash can elevate the soup with a deeper flavor. Just roast it until tender, remove the soft, pulpy part, and blend it into the sautéed aromatics. This adds a wonderful richness and depth to your soup.
- Add Veggies and Fruits: While this recipe is simple and straightforward, feel free to enhance it with apples for sweetness, carrots for an earthy depth, or potatoes for thickness. These additions contribute distinct flavors, making the soup even more satisfying and complex.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Explore our diverse menu, filled with everything from hearty vegetable sides to comforting chicken soups. Each recipe is prepared for the best taste and texture, promising a warm, satisfying experience.
Serving Suggestions
Butternut Squash Soup is so versatile! Whether you're serving it as a hearty main or a lovely starter, I've got some suggestions to make your meal even better:
- Soup Garnishes: Enhance Butternut Squash Soup with toppings like toasted green pumpkin seeds(pepitas), crispy bacon, or grated parmesan cheese. These little extras really enhance the flavors.
- Grilled Cheese: A grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly with this creamy soup. The combination of melty cheese and crispy bread contrasts wonderfully with the soup's smooth texture.
- Croutons: Adding croutons introduces a nice crunch. Whether homemade or store-bought, they bring a delightful texture contrast to the creamy soup.
- Salads: Complement the soup with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a hearty kale salad adds flavor and texture.
- Roasted Veggies: Serve the soup with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower. They enhance the sweetness of the squash and add vibrant colors to your plate.
- Side Dish Companions: Butternut Squash Soup goes well with sides like quinoa, couscous, farro, or wild rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, pork, or lamb for a satisfying dinner.
Storage Suggestions
Enjoy Butternut Squash Soup best when it's warm and fresh, but if you've got leftovers, no problem! Just pop them in a sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 days. When you're ready for more, reheat it on the stovetop until it's nice and warm, making your next meal just as delightful.
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