Squash Soup Easy Weeknight
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This comforting squash soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, packed with flavor and nutrition.
This squash soup is not only easy to make but also rich in flavor. With its creamy texture and warm spices, it's the ideal dish for chilly evenings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and comforting, perfect for cozy nights
- Packed with nutrients from fresh squash
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in under an hour
A Cozy Comfort Food
There’s something undeniably soothing about a warm bowl of soup, especially on chilly evenings. This squash soup is a quintessential comfort food that not only warms you up but also nourishes your body with wholesome ingredients. With its velvety texture and rich flavor, it’s a dish that invites you to slow down and savor each spoonful.
The butternut squash serves as the star ingredient, bringing a natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue that brightens up any dinner table. Combined with aromatic onions and garlic, this soup offers a delightful balance of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.
Nutritional Benefits
Butternut squash is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. This winter squash is a powerhouse of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and immune function. Additionally, squash is a great source of fiber, aiding in digestion and keeping you satisfied longer.
Incorporating this soup into your weeknight meals ensures that you're providing your body with a wholesome dose of nutrition. The optional coconut milk adds healthy fats, making this dish not only creamy but also a source of energy to fuel your busy days.
Quick and Easy Preparation
In our fast-paced lives, finding time to cook can be a challenge. This squash soup recipe is designed with convenience in mind, allowing you to whip up a nutritious meal in under an hour. The straightforward steps make it perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
With minimal prep work and cooking time, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your loved ones.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)
Enjoy the freshness of the ingredients in this delightful squash soup!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
Cook the Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir for a few minutes. Then pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Season and Simmer
Reduce the heat and add the ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If using, stir in the coconut milk for added creaminess.
Serve
Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
Serving Suggestions
This squash soup can be served as a delightful starter or as a hearty main dish. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or a slice of crusty bread. The combination of flavors will elevate your dining experience and impress your guests.
To add a gourmet touch, top your soup with roasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also enhance the presentation and flavor, providing a pop of freshness to each bowl.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover squash soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. If you find yourself with more soup than you can eat, consider freezing portions for a quick meal later on.
When reheating, simply place the soup in a pot over medium heat or use the microwave. If the soup thickens after refrigeration, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore its creamy consistency.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm, autumnal flavor. Alternatively, toss in some chopped carrots or sweet potatoes for added sweetness and nutrition.
For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving. Adjusting the recipe to your taste ensures that this squash soup will never get boring and can be enjoyed in various ways throughout the season.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?
Yes, frozen squash works well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
→ Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Just ensure the vegetable broth is vegan and skip the coconut milk if preferred.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Squash Soup Easy Weeknight
This comforting squash soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, packed with flavor and nutrition.
Created by: Stella Cameron
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
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 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir for a few minutes. Then pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and add the ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If using, stir in the coconut milk for added creaminess.
Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 4g