Spiced Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Introduction
Winter is the season for hearty and warming soups, and this Spiced Butternut Squash Soup is a perfect example. With its rich, creamy texture and a blend of warming spices, this soup is both comforting and nutritious. It’s an ideal dish for cozy nights at home or for serving at holiday gatherings.
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Pumpkin seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Peel and dice the carrots, and dice the celery stalks.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Adding the Butternut Squash and Spices
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir to combine with the other vegetables.
- Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
Step 4: Building the Soup Base
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender.
Step 5: Blending the Soup
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 6: Adding the Coconut Milk
- Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the coconut milk.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
- Ladle the Spiced Butternut Squash Soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and pumpkin seeds.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
- Choose a ripe butternut squash: A ripe squash will have a deep, even color and feel heavy for its size.
- Don’t rush the simmering process: Allowing the soup to simmer slowly helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Option: Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy version of the soup.
- Different Squash: Try using acorn squash or pumpkin instead of butternut squash for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary to change the flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Conclusion
This Spiced Butternut Squash Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of winter’s best flavors. With its creamy texture and warming spices, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in, this soup is sure to become a winter favorite.
Additional Tips for a Perfect Soup
- Layering Flavors: Each step in the cooking process adds layers of flavor. Take your time with each step to ensure the best results.
- Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final dish.
- Patience is Key: Soups are best when cooked slowly. Allowing the soup to simmer gently will result in well-developed flavors.
Pairing Suggestions
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with this creamy soup.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Cooking for a Crowd
- Scaling Up: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger group. Just make sure you have a large enough pot!
- Potluck Favorite: This soup is a great option for potlucks or family gatherings. It can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it convenient for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Spiced Butternut Squash Soup is a rewarding experience that brings comfort and joy to any winter meal. The process of slowly simmering the ingredients allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your winter cooking repertoire.
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Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
Winter is the season for hearty and warming soups, and this Spiced Butternut Squash Soup is a perfect example. With its rich, creamy texture and a blend of warming spices, this soup is both comforting and nutritious. It’s an ideal dish for cozy nights at home or for serving at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- Pumpkin seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Peel and dice the carrots, and dice the celery stalks.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Adding the Butternut Squash and Spices
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir to combine with the other vegetables.
- Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
Step 4: Building the Soup Base
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender.
Step 5: Blending the Soup
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 6: Adding the Coconut Milk
- Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the coconut milk.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through.
Notes
Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
Nutrition
Calories: 151kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 490mgPotassium: 477mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 12772IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 2mg