Spicy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up with a delightful bowl of Spicy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup, where creamy textures meet invigorating spices. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a kick with every spoonful. Full of nutrients and bursting with flavor, it's a fantastic choice for dinner or meal prep. Enjoy the natural sweetness of butternut squash and sweet potatoes, harmonized with just the right amount of heat.
This soup is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a cold day. The combination of butternut squash and sweet potatoes creates a rich base that is enhanced by spices like ginger and chili powder. Perfect for a cozy dinner or batch cooking for the week, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Nutritional Benefits
This Spicy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup is not just a delight for your taste buds; it's also packed with essential nutrients. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and a robust immune system. Sweet potatoes add a good dose of complex carbohydrates and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied while also supporting digestive health.
Moreover, the spices included in this recipe, such as ginger and chili powder, have their own health benefits. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can also help with digestion, making this soup a perfect choice for those looking to boost their wellness along with their meals.
Meal Prep Friendly
One of the best things about this soup is its meal prep potential. You can easily make a large batch and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer. This makes it a great option for busy weekdays when you need a quick, healthy meal on hand. Simply reheat your soup, and you'll have a nourishing dinner ready in minutes.
The flavors of the soup actually deepen and improve after a day in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for leftovers. Just be sure to store it in airtight containers to maintain its freshness. With a few simple prep steps, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of this soup whenever the craving strikes.
Versatile Toppings
While this soup is delicious on its own, adding toppings can elevate it to a whole new level. Consider garnishing with a swirl of coconut milk for added creaminess, or sprinkle with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness. If you like a little crunch, toasted pumpkin seeds or croutons can provide a satisfying texture contrast to the smooth soup.
For those who enjoy a bit of tang, a squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavors beautifully. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to make it even more decadent. Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can coconut milk (optional)
Adjust spices to taste, and feel free to add some toppings like croutons or seeds for extra crunch!
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Add Squash and Sweet Potatoes
Add the butternut squash and sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
Season and Cook
Sprinkle ginger and chili powder over the top. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Stir in coconut milk if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
For an added kick, consider garnishing with a dollop of spicy yogurt or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Cooking Tips
When peeling and cubing butternut squash, a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board are essential. To make this task easier, consider microwaving the squash for a couple of minutes to soften the skin before peeling. This will help you cut through it more easily and ensure that you get the most out of your squash with minimal waste.
For an extra depth of flavor, you can roast your butternut squash and sweet potatoes before adding them to the soup. Simply toss them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender. This method caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, giving your soup a richer taste.
Variations to Try
If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding different vegetables to the mix. Carrots, parsnips, or even lentils can be great additions, each bringing their own unique flavor and texture. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some vegetables may need more or less time to become tender.
For added protein, consider stirring in cooked beans or chickpeas. Not only will this enhance the nutritional profile of your soup, but it will also make it more filling. Vegans can enjoy this option by using vegetable broth, while omnivores can still delight in the soup with added meat or chicken broth.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, simply omit the coconut milk or replace it with a non-dairy alternative.
→ How can I adjust the spiciness?
You can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder to achieve your desired heat level.
Spicy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
Warm up with a delightful bowl of Spicy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup, where creamy textures meet invigorating spices. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a kick with every spoonful. Full of nutrients and bursting with flavor, it's a fantastic choice for dinner or meal prep. Enjoy the natural sweetness of butternut squash and sweet potatoes, harmonized with just the right amount of heat.
Created by: Stella Cameron
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can coconut milk (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Add the butternut squash and sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
Sprinkle ginger and chili powder over the top. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Stir in coconut milk if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g