Healthy Butternut Squash Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This Healthy Butternut Squash Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that's perfect for chilly days. Packed with flavor and vitamins, it's a great addition to your meal rotation.
This soup combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with savory spices to create a warm and inviting bowl that's both healthy and satisfying.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy texture without the heavy cream
- Naturally sweet and flavorful from roasted squash
- Packed with nutrients to keep you healthy
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prep
Why Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. This vibrant vegetable is loaded with vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting good vision. Additionally, its high fiber content helps support digestive health, making it a great choice for those looking to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into their diet.
Roasting the squash enhances its natural sweetness, creating a rich flavor profile that shines in this soup. The caramelization that occurs during roasting adds depth and complexity, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting dish. Plus, the warm, inviting aroma of roasted butternut squash is sure to make your kitchen feel cozy on chilly days.
The Benefits of Homemade Soup
Making soup at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your taste preferences. By preparing your own butternut squash soup, you can avoid preservatives and additives often found in store-bought versions. This means you can enjoy a fresh, wholesome meal that aligns with your dietary goals and provides maximum nutritional benefits.
Additionally, homemade soup is perfect for meal prep. This butternut squash soup can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Just heat and serve, and you have a delicious, healthy meal ready in minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Butternut Squash Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside crusty whole-grain bread or a simple green salad. The combination of flavors and textures will elevate your dining experience and keep you feeling satisfied.
For an extra touch of flavor, top your soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of balsamic reduction. These garnishes add visual appeal and enhance the overall taste, making your butternut squash soup not only nutritious but also visually stunning.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:
Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squashes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your soup:
Prepare the Squash
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, or until tender.
Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Combine Ingredients
Once the squash is roasted, add it to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, ginger, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.
Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy your warm and healthy butternut squash soup!
Storage Tips
Storing your butternut squash soup is easy! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal option for those busy weeks.
If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and it can last up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to customize your butternut squash soup. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of coconut milk can lend a unique twist to the flavor profile. For a bit of heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
You can also add other vegetables to the mix, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or even apples for a hint of sweetness. These variations not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value, making your soup even more wholesome.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
→ How long does this soup last in the fridge?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
→ Can I use other types of squash?
Absolutely! You can substitute butternut squash with acorn squash or pumpkin for a different flavor.
→ Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable broth and no dairy.
Healthy Butternut Squash Soup
This Healthy Butternut Squash Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that's perfect for chilly days. Packed with flavor and vitamins, it's a great addition to your meal rotation.
Created by: Stella Cameron
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squashes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, or until tender.
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Once the squash is roasted, add it to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, ginger, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 2g