Butternut Squash Soup is a creamy and comforting dish that highlights the natural sweetness of butternut squash. This soup is perfect for chilly days and can be served as an appetizer or a main course. It’s also easy to make and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

• 2 medium butternut squash (about 3-4 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh ginger, grated)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream, for creaminess)
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley, for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Butternut Squash Soup takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-40 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

1. Peel and Cut: Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into cubes (about 1-inch pieces).

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat Olive 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. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Squash

1. Add Squash and Spices: Add the cubed butternut squash, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
2. Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

1. Blend Until Smooth: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth (be careful with hot liquids).
2. Stir in Coconut Milk: Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a blender) and stir in the coconut milk. Heat through until warm.

Step 5: Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
2. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

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

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	2g
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Spice Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like sage or rosemary for added flavor during cooking.
• Toppings: Top with roasted pumpkin seeds, croutons, or a swirl of cream for added texture.

Conclusion

Butternut Squash Soup is a deliciously creamy and flavorful soup that is easy to prepare. Its natural sweetness and warm spices make it a perfect dish for fall and winter, bringing comfort to any table!