Looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s both delicious and easy to make? Dive into the world of flavor with our Quick and Easy Butternut Squash Soup! This velvety soup is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a vibrant addition to your table, perfect for chilly evenings or a quick lunch. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a bowl of warmth that’s packed with nutrients and bursting with seasonal flavors. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the butternut squash by carefully peeling the skin using a sharp vegetable peeler, then cut the squash into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Add cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the squash to slightly caramelize.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring the squash is mostly covered. Add cinnamon, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer to a standard blender in batches.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cinnamon to suit your preference.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optional: Garnish with a drizzle of cream, chopped herbs, or toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture.
Tips
- Uniform Cubes: When preparing the butternut squash, make sure to cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Sautéing Onions: Don’t rush the sautéing process! Allow the onions to become translucent and slightly golden, as this enhances the flavor base of your soup.
- Aromatic Garlic: Add the minced garlic just after the onions are sautéed. Cooking it for only 30-45 seconds will release its aromatic flavors without burning, which can turn bitter.
- Caramelization: When adding the cubed squash, let it caramelize slightly in the pot for a few minutes. This step adds depth and sweetness to the final dish.
- Blending Tips: For a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. If using a standard blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches to avoid splatters.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings. A little extra salt, pepper, or cinnamon can elevate the flavors to your liking.
- Garnishing: For an extra touch, consider garnishing your soup with a drizzle of cream, fresh herbs, or toasted pumpkin seeds. These add texture and visual appeal to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
