Squash Soup Easy Weeknight
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This easy weeknight squash soup is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for any day of the week.
This squash soup is not only easy to make but also a delightful way to warm up during the colder months. The natural sweetness of the squash combined with aromatic spices makes it a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture that's both satisfying and healthy
- Quick and easy to prepare on busy weeknights
- Perfectly spiced for a cozy flavor experience
A Comforting Bowl of Goodness
There's something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of squash soup, especially on a chilly evening. The creamy consistency, paired with the natural sweetness of butternut squash, makes this dish a go-to comfort food. Not only does it warm you up, but it also fills you with nutrients that your body craves. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a nourishing meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your well-being.
Squash soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite spices or herbs. Want a hint of heat? A dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes will do the trick. Prefer a more aromatic experience? Consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon. The possibilities are endless, making it a fantastic dish to experiment with.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
Busy weeknights can leave little room for elaborate cooking, but this squash soup recipe fits perfectly into a hectic schedule. With minimal prep time and a cooking process that takes less than 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome meal ready to serve in no time. It’s ideal for those evenings when you need to whip up something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Moreover, this soup is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare a big batch on the weekend, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it on those busy weeknights. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
Health Benefits of Squash
Butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients play a vital role in boosting your immune system, promoting healthy skin, and aiding digestion. Incorporating squash into your diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight, as it is low in calories but high in nutrients. This soup allows you to enjoy these benefits without sacrificing flavor.
In addition to being nutritious, this soup is also vegan and dairy-free, thanks to the use of coconut milk. This makes it an excellent choice for those following a plant-based diet or those with lactose intolerance. You can enjoy a creamy texture without the heavy dairy, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy this delightful dish.
Ingredients for Squash Soup
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process.
How to Make Squash Soup
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add Squash and Broth
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
Finish with Coconut Milk
Stir in the coconut milk and ground ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with a drizzle of coconut milk or fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
This squash soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with crusty bread or a light salad for a well-rounded meal. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of vegan yogurt on top can add a delightful crunch and extra flavor, enhancing the overall experience.
For a more substantial meal, you could serve it alongside a grain-based salad, such as quinoa or farro, which will add protein and make the dish even more filling.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Remember to stir well before serving, as the soup may thicken upon cooling.
When storing, consider portioning out individual servings. This makes it super convenient for busy lunches or quick dinners during the week. Having this nutritious soup readily available makes it easier to stick to a healthy diet.
Variations to Try
While the recipe as is is delightful, feel free to experiment with different types of squash, like acorn or kabocha, for a unique flavor profile. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potatoes, to enhance the soup's sweetness and nutritional value.
If you enjoy a bit of spice, try adding a teaspoon of curry powder or a splash of lime juice for a zesty twist. These small adjustments can completely transform the dish, keeping it exciting and new each time you make it.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen squash?
Yes, frozen squash can be used. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking.
→ How can I make this soup vegan?
This recipe is already vegan, as it uses vegetable broth and coconut milk.
→ Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Carrots, sweet potatoes, or even spinach can be great additions.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Squash Soup Easy Weeknight
This easy weeknight squash soup is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for any day of the week.
Created by: Stella Cameron
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
Stir in the coconut milk and ground ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 3g