Description
Creamy “Apple Butternut Squash Soup” blends autumn’s richest flavors with warming spices from seasonal ingredients. Comfort flows through each spoonful, inviting you to savor hearty comfort perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 (about 3 pounds / 1.36 kilograms) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Cream:
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
- Pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the butternut squash for roasting by preheating the oven to 400F (200C). Toss cubed squash with olive oil, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring even spacing for optimal caramelization.
- While squash roasts, create a flavor base in a large pot by heating olive oil over medium heat. Gently sauté onions until translucent and soft, then introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom briefly.
- Combine the roasted squash with diced apples, vegetable broth, and warm spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and soften completely.
- Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender to create a silky, smooth consistency. For an extra luxurious finish, incorporate heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring carefully to integrate.
- Fine-tune the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Pour the velvety soup into serving bowls, elevating the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, crunchy pumpkin seeds, or a delicate cream drizzle.
- Complement the soup with a side of crusty artisan bread or a golden, melty grilled cheese sandwich for a complete and comforting meal experience.
Notes
- Roast squash thoroughly to enhance its natural sweetness and develop deeper caramelized flavors, which elevates the soup’s overall taste profile.
- Select ripe, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for a balanced and complex flavor that complements the butternut squash beautifully.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains a rich, creamy texture while adding a subtle tropical undertone.
- Experiment with spice levels by adjusting cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create a personalized warming sensation that suits individual taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg