Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
This Creamy Butternut Squash Soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
With its smooth texture and sweet taste, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful recipe!
Why Make This Recipe
Butternut squash soup is a favorite for many due to its vibrant flavor and creamy texture. It embraces the autumn season with warm spices and fresh vegetables, creating a cozy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Additionally, this soup is packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a healthy choice.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a starter, a side dish, or a main meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this nutritious soup will not disappoint.
Equipment Needed for Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
To prepare the creamy butternut squash soup, you will need a few basic kitchen tools. A good-quality chef’s knife will help you chop the vegetables with ease.
You will also need cutting boards for safe chopping. A large pot or Dutch oven will allow you to sauté the ingredients and simmer the soup. An immersion blender or a regular blender will help you achieve that creamy texture.
Lastly, prepare a ladle and serving bowls for presenting your delicious creation.
What You Need to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)
- 2 large carrots (peeled and diced small)
- 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1 large Granny Smith apple
- 3-4 pounds butternut squash (about 1 large squash, peeled, seeds removed, and diced)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth if vegetarian is not needed)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- Optional garnishes: toasted pumpkin seeds, extra yogurt or coconut cream
How to Cook Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Step by Step
For Stovetop
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. Next, add the diced carrots and salt, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes.
Now it’s time to add the chopped butternut squash and apple to the pot. Toss everything together so that the oil coats all the ingredients, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and starts to soften the vegetables.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the thyme. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the squash is very tender.
After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender. Once blended, return the soup to the pot.
Stir in the Greek yogurt or coconut cream to add a creamy texture. Adjust the seasoning with ground pepper and additional salt if desired.
For Slow Cooker
To make this soup in a slow cooker, start by heating the oil and sautéing the onion, garlic, and carrots in a pan on the stove. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
Transfer the sautéed ingredients to the slow cooker. Then, add the butternut squash, apple, thyme, broth, and salt. Mix everything well to combine.
Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to purée the soup. Stir in the yogurt or coconut cream before serving them in bowls.
For Instant Pot
For the Instant Pot method, press the sauté button. Add the oil and heat it up, then add the onions and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. Next, toss in the diced carrots, butternut squash, and apple.
Pour in the broth, and add the thyme and salt. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
Once the time is up, perform a quick release. Carefully open the lid and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. Mix in the yogurt or coconut cream before serving.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Making your creamy butternut squash soup is a straightforward process. You start by selecting good-quality butternut squash, as its sweetness is essential for the final flavor.
Chop your ingredients as mentioned, ensuring the squash and apple are cut into even pieces. This helps in cooking them evenly. Sautéing on medium heat helps build the flavor base, while the addition of broth allows the vegetables to cook down gently.
Blending is crucial for that smooth, creamy texture. Ensuring that the soup is well-blended results in a delightful mouthfeel. Don’t forget the yogurt or coconut cream, as they elevate the creaminess and add a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the squash.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Serving creamy butternut squash soup is a great opportunity to impress your guests. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and consider garnishing it with a swirl of yogurt or coconut cream for a beautiful presentation.
Sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal. A dash of freshly ground pepper can add a little kick, making it look and taste more inviting.
Pair your soup with a piece of crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. This will ensure everyone leaves your table satisfied.
What to Serve with Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy butternut squash soup pairs well with several sides. A hearty sourdough or whole-grain bread is a favorite for dipping and soaking up every last spoonful.
You might also consider serving a light salad that features bitter greens like arugula or spinach. These salads can provide a nice contrast to the soup’s sweetness.
For a more filling option, grilled cheese sandwiches go wonderfully with this soup. The combination of gooey cheese and warm bread complements the creamy texture perfectly.
How to Store Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
To store your creamy butternut squash soup, let it cool completely first. Transfer the soup to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portion-sized containers. This way, you can pull out just what you need on busy days. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Tips to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
To make the best creamy butternut squash soup, selecting the ripest butternut squash is important. Look for ones that are heavy for their size and have a smooth, matte skin.
When sautéing your vegetables, don’t rush this step. Taking your time allows the flavors to develop fully. Using homemade vegetable broth can enhance the taste even more.
If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika while cooking. You can customize the texture by leaving some chunks of squash in the soup after blending for variety.
Variation
There are many ways to give a twist to the creamy butternut squash soup. Adding spices like curry powder can provide a warm flavor.
You might also consider blending in other vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots for depth. For a more herby approach, adding rosemary or sage can add a delightful touch.
To make it a full meal, you could add cooked quinoa or lentils for added nutrition.
Best Time to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
The best time to make creamy butternut squash soup is during the autumn months when butternut squash is in season. This time guarantees the best flavor and freshness.
However, this soup can be enjoyed year-round! You can often find butternut squash in markets and grocery stores, so feel free to whip it up anytime you crave its comforting taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the vegetables, which can lead to a mushy texture and loss of flavor. Keep an eye on cooking times to prevent this.
Another mistake is not seasoning properly. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
Finally, blending hot soup can lead to splatters. Make sure to allow steam to escape if using a regular blender or use an immersion blender to keep it contained.
Nutritional Notes
Creamy butternut squash soup is naturally rich in vitamins A and C, mainly due to the butternut squash. It provides healthy fiber, which is good for digestion.
Incorporating Greek yogurt offers additional protein and probiotics, making this soup not only delicious but beneficial for your health.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to five days and can be frozen for up to three months.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut cream for a creamy, dairy-free option.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you want a spicier soup, consider adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Conclusion
Creamy butternut squash soup is a delightful recipe that combines comfort, flavor, and nutrition. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation methods, anyone can create this delicious dish.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with hearty sides, this soup is sure to warm you up. So grab your butternut squash and get cooking!
