Creamy Squash Soup Recipe
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This creamy squash soup recipe is a comforting dish that highlights the natural sweetness of squash, blended to perfection for a silky texture.
This creamy squash soup is perfect for chilly evenings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that's incredibly satisfying
- Naturally sweet and flavorful, perfect for all ages
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prep
The Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It's an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and boosting your immune system. Additionally, the high fiber content in butternut squash aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer. Incorporating this vibrant vegetable into your diet can provide numerous health benefits while satisfying your taste buds.
Its natural sweetness makes butternut squash a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. This creamy soup showcases its flavor beautifully, making it a perfect choice for family meals or gatherings. You can also enjoy butternut squash roasted, mashed, or in salads, adding variety to your meals without sacrificing nutrition.
Perfect for Any Season
Creamy squash soup is a dish that transcends seasons. In the fall and winter months, it provides warmth and comfort, making it a cozy addition to your dinner table. Conversely, in spring and summer, it can be enjoyed chilled, offering a refreshing twist that highlights its sweetness. This adaptability makes it an excellent recipe for meal planning or hosting gatherings year-round.
You can easily customize this soup by adding seasonal herbs or spices, such as thyme or nutmeg. These additions will elevate the flavor profile and keep your taste buds excited throughout the year. Serve it with a crusty piece of bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that satisfies any palate.
Meal Prep Made Easy
This creamy squash soup is not only delicious but also an ideal candidate for meal prep. You can make a large batch at once and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. This is particularly beneficial for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal but have limited time to cook. Just reheat and serve for a quick, wholesome dinner.
To enhance your meal prep efficiency, consider portioning the soup into individual containers. This way, you’ll have easy access to a healthy lunch or dinner option whenever you need it. Pair it with a side salad or some whole-grain crackers for a complete meal that supports your health goals.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gather all ingredients before starting the cooking process.
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Cook the Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir for a few minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches, blending until creamy.
Add Coconut Milk
Stir in the coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy squash soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider topping it with roasted pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch and added nutrition. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, can brighten up the dish and enhance its visual appeal.
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the soup before serving. This sweet and tangy addition complements the natural sweetness of the squash while providing a gourmet touch to your meal.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different types of squash in this recipe. Acorn squash or kabocha can bring unique flavors and textures to your soup. Additionally, you can incorporate other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for enhanced creaminess and nutrition.
If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce before blending. This will give your soup a warm kick that balances well with the sweetness of the squash.
Storage Tips
To store your creamy squash soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently to maintain its creamy texture.
If freezing, consider leaving out the coconut milk until you're ready to serve. This ensures that the soup maintains its perfect consistency when thawed and reheated, allowing you to enjoy every spoonful just as delicious as the day it was made.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen squash?
Yes, frozen squash works well; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
→ How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly with the use of vegetable broth and coconut milk.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Carrots or sweet potatoes can be great additions.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creamy Squash Soup Recipe
This creamy squash soup recipe is a comforting dish that highlights the natural sweetness of squash, blended to perfection for a silky texture.
Created by: Phoebe Turner
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir for a few minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches, blending until creamy.
Stir in the coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 3g