butternut squash soup
Butternut squash soup is a delicious and creamy soup made primarily from butternut squash, a winter squash known for its sweet and nutty flavour.This soup is a popular dish, especially during the colder months, due to its comforting and hearty nature.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash (about 2 to 2.5 pounds)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (or you can use water)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: a drizzle of cream or coconut milk, roasted pumpkin seeds, or chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the butternut squash: Start by peeling the butternut squash witha vegetable peeler. Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds andstringy pulp using a spoon. Cut the squash into small cubes.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat theolive oil over medium heat. Add the choppedonion and cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent . Then, add the mincedgarlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir withthe onions and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, untilthe squash starts to soften slightly.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour the vegetable or chicken broth (or water) into the pot, covering the squash. Stir in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- Blend the soup: Once the squash is fully cooked and tender, turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a blender, and carefully blend until smooth and creamy. If using a blender, be sure to allow the steam to escape or blend in small batches to avoid pressure buildup
- Adjust consistency and seasonings: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the butternut squash soup into serving bowls.If desired, drizzle a bit of cream or coconut milk over the top and sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds or chopped fresh herbs for a delightful garnish
Notes
Enjoy your homemade butternut squash soup – it's comforting, nutritious, and perfect for chilly days!