Healthy Butternut Squash Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Butternut squash soup is a great choice for a healthy and comforting meal. It is full of vitamins, minerals, and flavor. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you want something warm. It is easy to make, and the natural sweetness of the butternut squash makes it satisfying. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many diets.

How to Make Healthy Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, roasted
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
  4. Add the roasted garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Add the roasted squash to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Serve hot.

How to Serve Healthy Butternut Squash Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for added flavor or sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. It pairs well with crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Healthy Butternut Squash Soup

You can store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool before pouring it into an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Healthy Butternut Squash Soup

  • To make peeling the butternut squash easier, you can microwave it for a few minutes before peeling.
  • Adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
  • For creaminess, you can stir in a bit of coconut milk after blending.

Variation

You can add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots or sweet potatoes, to enhance the flavor and nutrition. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top before serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash?
A: Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash. Just skip the roasting step and add the frozen squash directly to the pot with the vegetable broth.

Q: Is this soup spicy?
A: No, the soup is not spicy. It has a warm flavor from the spices, but you can add more ginger or cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. It can taste even better the next day as the flavors blend. Just reheat it before serving!

Healthy Butternut Squash Soup

A comforting vegan and gluten-free butternut squash soup, perfect for chilly days, rich in flavor and nutrients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, roasted
Liquid
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Fats
  • as needed Olive oil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender.
Cooking
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
  2. Add the roasted garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Add the roasted squash to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Serve hot.

Notes

Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. Pairs well with crusty bread. For creaminess, stir in coconut milk after blending.