Cozy Butternut Squash Soup is a warm and comforting dish that highlights the natural sweetness of butternut squash, combined with aromatic spices and creamy texture. This soup is perfect for chilly days and makes a delicious starter or main course.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds, peeled, seeded, and cubed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for a richer flavor)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Timing

Making Cozy Butternut Squash Soup takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 2: Cook the Squash

1. Add Squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
2. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer

1. Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

1. Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
2. Stir in Coconut Milk: Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a blender) and stir in the coconut milk. Heat gently over low heat until warmed through.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy this cozy soup with crusty bread or a side salad!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Cozy Butternut Squash Soup (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Protein	3g
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Add Heat: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like thyme or sage for additional flavor.
• Toppings: Top with roasted pumpkin seeds or a swirl of yogurt for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Cozy Butternut Squash Soup is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that showcases the natural sweetness of butternut squash. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day and pairs wonderfully with bread. Enjoy this delightful recipe!