Dive into comfort with our Butternut Squash Soup! Creamy and full of flavor, it's the perfect addition to any meal. Made with fresh ingredients, it's ideal for a cozy night or a special celebration such as Thanksgiving.
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.
Notes
To elevate your Butternut Squash Soup, consider these valuable 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.