Ah, butternut squash soup—it’s like a warm, cozy hug in a bowl, especially when the chilly winds start to bite. I remember making a batch on a dreary Tuesday last fall, the aroma filling my kitchen with such sweet, nutty notes that even my cat seemed intrigued. This version is creamy, dreamy, and just the right amount of indulgent, with a hint of nutmeg that dances on your tongue like leaves in the breeze.
Steps
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, along with salt and pepper, and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Incorporate the butternut squash into the pot and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, fresh sage, rosemary, and ginger to the pot. Stir these ingredients for 30 seconds to a minute until they release a fragrant aroma.
- Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until the squash is tender.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly, then carefully transfer it to a blender in batches if needed, and blend until smooth. If the soup is too thick, add up to 1 cup more broth to reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup garnished with parsley and pepitas, accompanied by a slice of crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of butternut squash
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- Fresh sage (amount as desired)
- Fresh rosemary (amount as desired)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 to 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley and pepitas
FAQ
- Can I use chicken stock instead of vegetable broth in this butternut squash soup?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken stock for vegetable broth if you prefer, but keep in mind that the recipe is designed to be vegan. Using chicken stock will alter the flavor slightly and will make it non-vegan.
- How can I store leftover butternut squash soup?
- You can keep leftover butternut squash soup in the refrigerator for up to four days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for several months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
- What can I serve with butternut squash soup to make it a complete meal?
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread, homemade focaccia, or corn muffins. You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fall salad to make it a more filling meal.
- Can I make this soup without a blender?
- While a blender helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or mash the squash manually if you prefer a chunkier consistency.
- What other soups can I try if I enjoy this butternut squash soup?
- If you like this butternut squash soup, you might also enjoy trying miso soup, lentil soup, or a classic vegetable soup. For more ideas, consider exploring a collection of the best soup recipes.
Tips
- Weigh Your Squash: To ensure you have just the right amount of butternut squash, consider weighing it at the store or farmers market. This will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.
- Season at Different Stages: Add salt and pepper alongside the onion at the beginning, but remember to adjust the seasoning at the end. This double-check ensures your soup is perfectly seasoned to your taste.
- Blend in Batches: When blending the soup, work in batches if necessary to avoid overfilling your blender, which can lead to spills and uneven texture.
- Customize Consistency: If your soup turns out thicker than you prefer, simply add up to 1 cup more of vegetable broth and blend again to reach your desired consistency.
Equipment
- High-Powered Blender: The recipe mentions using a Vitamix, which is a high-quality blender suitable for making smooth soups.
- Large Pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup. If you don’t have one, you might need to purchase it.
- Pepper Mill: For freshly ground black pepper, a pepper mill could be needed if you don’t have one already.
