Butternut Squash Soup with Cream
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This creamy butternut squash soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It's rich in flavor and easy to make, making it a favorite for families and gatherings.
This butternut squash soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of sweet squash and cream creates a velvety texture that will warm your soul.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that comforts the palate
- Natural sweetness from roasted squash
- Perfectly spiced to enhance the flavor
- Easy to prepare, making it a weeknight favorite
The Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and vision. The natural sweetness of butternut squash makes it a favorite among both children and adults, providing a comforting and satisfying flavor that enhances any dish.
Additionally, butternut squash is rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to keep you feeling full longer. This makes it a great addition to your diet, especially during the colder months when hearty meals are more appealing. Incorporating this versatile vegetable into your meals can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
To elevate the flavor of your butternut squash soup, consider roasting the squash until it caramelizes slightly. This enhances its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that makes the soup even more delightful. You can also experiment with different spices, such as ginger or cayenne pepper, to add a unique twist to the classic recipe.
For those who prefer a smoother texture, blending the soup thoroughly is key. If you don't have an immersion blender, transferring the soup in batches to a regular blender will work just fine. Just be cautious when blending hot liquids—allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid any splatter.
Serving Suggestions
This butternut squash soup pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with crusty artisan bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. The contrast between the creamy soup and the crunchy bread creates a delightful texture combination that is sure to please your palate.
For an added touch of elegance, garnish your soup with toasted pumpkin seeds or a swirl of balsamic glaze. These simple additions not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also contribute additional flavors that complement the richness of the soup.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking!
Instructions
Prepare the Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, or until tender.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Combine Ingredients
Add the roasted squash to the pot along with the vegetable broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious butternut squash soup!
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, storing butternut squash soup is easy. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore its original consistency, as it may thicken in the fridge or freezer. Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutritional Information
This butternut squash soup is not only comforting but also nutritious. A single serving is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a guilt-free choice for any meal. The creamy base from heavy cream provides a good source of calcium, while the squash delivers essential antioxidants that support your immune system.
One bowl of this soup can easily be part of a balanced diet, providing healthy fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. With its wholesome ingredients, it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty yet healthy dish during the cooler months.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
→ Can I freeze butternut squash soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Butternut Squash Soup with Cream
This creamy butternut squash soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It's rich in flavor and easy to make, making it a favorite for families and gatherings.
Created by: Skylar Jennings
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, or until tender.
In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the roasted squash to the pot along with the vegetable broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g