This heartwarming roasted butternut squash soup recipe is a wonderful addition to any meal. The rich, sweet flavor of the butternut squash is beautifully complemented by subtle hints of garlic and nutmeg, offering a depth of flavor that is truly satisfying. Whether served as a starter or a light main dish, this soup is sure to impress with its comforting warmth and sophisticated taste.
The main ingredient in this recipe, butternut squash, can usually be found in the produce section of most supermarkets. However, it may be more plentiful during the fall and winter months. When selecting a butternut squash, look for one that is firm, has a matte skin, and feels heavy for its size. The squash should have a solid beige color without deep cuts or bruises.
Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash: A sweet, nutty squash that's packed with vitamins A and C.
Olive oil: Used to roast the squash and sauté the shallots. Its flavor complements the squash perfectly.
Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Garlic cloves: Gives the soup a savory touch.
Maple syrup: Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Nutmeg: Provides a warm, nutty flavor that pairs well with the butternut squash.
Black pepper: Adds a slight kick to the soup.
Vegetable broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding depth and richness.
Butter: Adds a creamy, indulgent finish to the soup.
One reader, Demeter Priest says:
This roasted butternut squash soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the texture is velvety smooth. It's the perfect dish for a cozy night in. I love how the maple syrup and nutmeg add a touch of sweetness. It's a definite must-try for anyone who loves hearty, homemade soups.
Techniques for Making Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
How to roast butternut squash: Roast the butternut squash in the oven at 425 degrees F for 40-50 minutes until tender and cooked through. Let it cool for 10 minutes before scooping out the flesh.
How to sauté shallots and garlic: Sauté chopped shallots in olive oil over medium heat until softened and starting to turn golden on the edges. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
How to blend soup: Use a blender to blend the roasted butternut squash, sautéed shallots and garlic, maple syrup, nutmeg, black pepper, and vegetable broth until creamy and warmed through. Be cautious of hot steam escaping from the blender lid.
How to adjust soup consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth. To enhance the richness, stir in butter or olive oil to taste and blend well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
How to reheat soup: If the soup has cooled during blending, warm it in a soup pot over medium heat until steamy before serving.
How To Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Warm up your stomach with roasted butternut squash soup. Roasting the squash adds extra flavor, together with other spices, to this creamy soup.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1large butternut squash(about 3 lbs) halved vertically and seeds removed
- 1tbspolive oilplus more for drizzling
- ½cupshallotchopped
- 1tspsalt
- 4garlic clovespressed or minced
- 1tspmaple syrup
- ⅛tspnutmegground
- black pepperfreshly ground, to taste
- 3cupsvegetable brothadjust if needed
- 2tbspbutterto taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
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Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the butternut squash on the pan and drizzle each half with just enough olive oil to lightly coat the squash on the inside. Rub the oil over the inside of the squash and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
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Turn the squash face down and roast for about 40 to 50 minutes until it is tender and completely cooked through. Set the squash aside and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
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Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, warm olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped shallot and salt. Cook, stirring often, for about 3 to 4 minutes until the shallot has softened and is starting to turn golden on the edges.
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Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minuteuntil fragrant, stirring frequently. Transfer the contents to your stand blender.
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Use a large spoon to scoop the butternut squash flesh into your blender. Discard the tough skin.
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Add the maple syrup, nutmeg and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper to the blender. Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth, being careful not to fill the container past the maximum fill line. Work in batches if necessary, and stir in any remaining broth later.
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Securely fasten the lid. Blend on high or select the soup preset if available, being careful to avoid hot steam escaping from the lid. Stop once your soup is ultra creamy and warmed through.
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If you would like to thin out your soup a bit more, stir in the remaining cup of broth. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, to taste, and blend well. Taste and stir in more salt and pepper, if necessary.
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If your soup is piping hot from the blending process, you can pour it into serving bowls. If not, pour it back into your soup pot and warm the soup over medium heat, stirring often, until it’s nice and steamy.
Recipe Notes
Don’t worry if the skin or flesh browns as that’s good for flavor. if your blender has a soup preset, use a medium skillet to minimize dishes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 125.00kcal
- Fat: 6.31g
- Saturated Fat: 2.80g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.68g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.45g
- Carbohydrates: 17.96g
- Fiber: 3.05g
- Sugar: 4.37g
- Protein: 1.78g
- Cholesterol: 10.18mg
- Sodium: 413.01mg
- Calcium: 74.95mg
- Potassium: 482.66mg
- Iron: 1.13mg
- Vitamin A: 657.19µg
- Vitamin C: 26.51mg
Helpful Technique for Roasting Butternut Squash
When roasting the butternut squash, it's important to remember that the size of the squash can affect the cooking time. Larger squashes may take longer to become tender. To ensure even cooking, try to choose a squash that is uniform in size. Additionally, when blending the soup, start at a low speed and gradually increase to avoid splashing. If your blender doesn't have a soup setting, blend until the soup is smooth and creamy, this could take up to a minute depending on the power of your blender.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Prep ahead: Roast the butternut squash in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the soup. This will save time on the day you plan to cook the soup.
Use pre-cut squash: If you're short on time, consider purchasing pre-cut butternut squash to skip the step of cutting and peeling the squash yourself.
Multi-task: While the squash is roasting, use that time to prepare the other ingredients or work on another dish to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Blender batch: If your blender is not large enough to accommodate all the ingredients at once, blend the soup in batches to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
Freeze extra: Make a larger batch of soup and freeze the extra portions for quick and convenient meals in the future. This will save time on busy days.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
butternut squash - Substitute with pumpkin: Both have a similar sweet and nutty flavor, and pumpkin can be roasted and pureed to achieve a similar texture and taste in the soup.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for roasting the squash and shallots.
shallot - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onion can provide a slightly stronger flavor compared to shallots, but it will still add a delicious savory note to the soup.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add a rich and savory depth of flavor to the soup, complementing the sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle hint of sweetness and richness to the soup, similar to butter, while also making the recipe dairy-free.
Presentation Tips for Butternut Squash Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the roasted butternut squash soup, consider using a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant color and creamy texture of the soup. The contrast between the soup and the bowl will create a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, delicately drizzle a swirl of high-quality olive oil on top of the soup. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the flavor and aroma of the dish.
Incorporate a sprinkle of toasted pepitas: Sprinkle a handful of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) over the soup. The crunch and nuttiness of the pepitas will add a delightful textural element to the dish.
Add a dollop of crème fraîche: Place a small, carefully positioned dollop of crème fraîche on the surface of the soup. The creamy richness of the crème fraîche will complement the sweetness of the butternut squash.
Accent with fresh herb leaves: Garnish the soup with a few delicate fresh herb leaves, such as sage or thyme, to add a pop of color and a hint of herbal fragrance.
Serve with artisanal bread: Accompany the soup with a slice of warm, crusty artisanal bread. This not only completes the meal but also provides a delightful contrast in texture.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the vibrant color and velvety texture of the soup to take center stage. A clean, uncluttered presentation will highlight the sophistication of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Oven: You will need an oven to roast the butternut squash.
- Rimmed baking sheet: This will be used to roast the butternut squash in the oven.
- Parchment paper: Use this to line the rimmed baking sheet before roasting the butternut squash.
- Large soup pot: This will be used to cook the shallots and garlic and to blend the soup ingredients.
- Stand blender: You will use a stand blender to blend the roasted butternut squash and other soup ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Large spoon: Use a large spoon to scoop the roasted butternut squash flesh into the blender.
Storing and Freezing Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Let the butternut squash soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag.
- If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- If using a zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the soup, place the container or bag in the freezer and store for up to 3 months.
- If using a zip-top bag, lay it flat in the freezer until the soup is frozen solid, then you can stack the bags to save space.
- To reheat the refrigerated soup, transfer it to a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- To reheat the frozen soup, you can either:
- Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Place the frozen soup directly into a pot and heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the soup has thawed and is warmed through. This method may take longer, but it's a good option if you forget to thaw the soup ahead of time.
- Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, as the flavors may have mellowed during storage.
- Serve the reheated roasted butternut squash soup hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or some toasted pumpkin seeds.
How To Reheat Leftover Butternut Squash Soup
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pot. It also helps to evenly distribute the heat, preserving the soup's texture and flavor.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the butternut squash soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat the soup in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or butter to the soup while reheating. This will enhance the richness and depth of flavor in the roasted butternut squash soup.
If the soup has thickened too much during storage, gradually stir in some vegetable broth or water while reheating until you reach the desired consistency. This will help to thin out the soup without compromising its flavor.
To add a fresh twist to leftover butternut squash soup, consider topping it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or some toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
If you have an immersion blender, you can use it to quickly blend the reheated soup to restore its smooth and creamy texture. This is especially helpful if the soup has separated or become grainy during storage.
Interesting Fact About Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
The butternut squash used in this recipe is a great source of vitamin A, providing over 450% of the recommended daily intake in just one cup. This nutrient is essential for maintaining healthy vision, a strong immune system, and proper organ function. Additionally, butternut squash is rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
Is Making Butternut Squash Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This roasted butternut squash soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Butternut squash is an affordable and nutritious ingredient, and the additional components like vegetable broth, garlic, and shallots are also reasonably priced. The recipe yields a large batch, making it suitable for multiple servings, and the ingredients are versatile for other dishes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-15, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, I rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavor.
Is Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Healthy?
This roasted butternut squash soup recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of nutrient-dense ingredients like butternut squash, shallots, and garlic. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. The use of olive oil and butter in moderation provides healthy fats, while the vegetable broth keeps the soup light and low in calories. The addition of maple syrup and nutmeg enhances the natural sweetness and flavor of the squash without relying on excessive amounts of added sugars or artificial flavors.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter or replace it with an additional tablespoon of olive oil to decrease the saturated fat content
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt intake
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale to the blender for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals
- Garnish the soup with toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture and a dose of healthy fats and protein
- Serve the soup with a side salad or a slice of whole-grain bread to make it a well-rounded meal
Editor's Opinion on This Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
The roasted butternut squash soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the squash, while the addition of shallots, garlic, and nutmeg creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. The use of maple syrup adds a subtle hint of sweetness, and the creamy texture of the soup is simply divine. This recipe is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a wonderful choice for a cozy autumn or winter meal.
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Why trust this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe:
This roasted butternut squash soup recipe is a trustworthy choice for your kitchen. The use of fresh butternut squash and garlic ensures a rich and flavorful base. The addition of maple syrup and nutmeg brings a delightful sweetness and warmth to the soup. The incorporation of vegetable broth and butter further enhances the depth of flavors. The detailed instructions and use of high-quality ingredients guarantee a delicious and comforting soup that will surely impress your taste buds.
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