As the temperature drops and the leaves begin to change color, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort and nourish your body.
If you’re looking for a soup that’s both delicious and nutritious, look no further than creamy butternut squash.
Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a winter squash that’s loaded with vitamins and minerals. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, while vitamin C is crucial for boosting your immune system. Fiber helps regulate digestion and reduces the risk of heart disease, while potassium helps lower blood pressure.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for creamy butternut squash soup that you can make at home:.
- Start by peeling and chopping one medium-sized butternut squash into small pieces.
- Peel and dice one onion and two cloves of garlic.
- In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped squash to the pot and stir to combine.
- Pour enough vegetable or chicken broth into the pot to cover the squash. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the squash is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a blender and puree in batches.)
- Add half a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk, and stir to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. (Some popular options include nutmeg, cinnamon, and thyme.)
- Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons if desired.
Variations and Tips
There are many ways to customize this recipe and make it your own. Here are a few ideas:.
- For a vegan version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and coconut milk for the heavy cream.
- To add more protein, stir in some cooked beans or shredded chicken.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped butternut squash instead of peeling and chopping a whole squash.
- If you like your soup thicker, reduce the amount of broth you add in step 5.
In Conclusion
Creamy butternut squash soup is a healthy and flavorful way to warm up on a chilly day. With its rich, velvety texture and sweet, nutty taste, this soup is sure to become a new fall favorite.