Why Make This Recipe
Butternut squash soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for cool weather. It’s easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor. Rich in vitamins and minerals, butternut squash is low in calories yet high in nutrients. By making this soup, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s also good for you. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet.
This easy and healthy butternut squash soup is simple enough for weeknight dinners, yet elegant enough to serve up on special occasions. It’s creamy without being heavy and comes together in just a little over half an hour. You can even make it ahead of time and store it for later!
How to Make Easy Healthy Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: roasted pumpkin seeds, sour cream, or herbs
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes until the squash is tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a countertop blender.
- Return the blended soup to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the flavors meld for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Easy Healthy Butternut Squash Soup
Serve your butternut squash soup hot. You can garnish it with optional toppings like roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, a swirl of sour cream for creaminess, or fresh herbs for garnish. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad to create a complete meal. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and can even make a nice appetizer when you have guests over.
How to Store Easy Healthy Butternut Squash Soup
If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. To reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave if you’re short on time.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or run the container under cold water until it loosens enough to pour into a pot for reheating.
Tips to Make Easy Healthy Butternut Squash Soup
- Choosing the Squash: Look for a firm, heavy butternut squash that feels dense. A uniform beige color without any spots indicates freshness.
- Peeling the Squash: Peeling butternut squash can be a bit tricky because of its tough skin. Use a good vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. You can also cook the squash whole in the microwave for a few minutes to soften it a bit before peeling.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne can bring out the sweetness of the squash.
- Add Creaminess: If you want your soup to be creamier, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end. This will give it a richer flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs, like thyme or sage, can elevate the flavor profile. Add them while sautéing the onions for a deeper taste.
Variation
While this recipe is delicious as it is, there are plenty of ways to customize your butternut squash soup. Here are some variations:
- Spicy Butternut Squash Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing to give the soup some heat.
- Curried Butternut Squash Soup: Stir in a tablespoon of curry powder with the onions. The spices will add a whole new dimension of flavor.
- Apple and Butternut Squash Soup: Adding chopped apple can lend a hint of sweetness to the soup. Consider using Granny Smith apples for a nice contrast.
- Creamy Vegan Option: Substitute the vegetable broth with coconut milk for richness. This will make the soup dairy-free while still maintaining a creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
2. How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can blend longer until smooth or add more butternut squash. You can also use a potato, which adds creaminess while thickening the soup.
3. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash is a great shortcut and can save you time. Just add it directly to the pot along with the broth.
In conclusion, easy healthy butternut squash soup is a wonderful dish that combines health and flavor into a simple recipe. Whether you serve it on a chilly day or use it as a gourmet start to a meal, this soup is sure to impress. Enjoy cooking and savor every warm bowl!
Print
Easy Healthy Butternut Squash Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting butternut squash soup that is easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: roasted pumpkin seeds, sour cream, or herbs
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes until the squash is tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a countertop blender.
- Return the blended soup to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the flavors meld for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added creaminess, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream. You can customize the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg or cayenne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg