Roasted Butternut squash soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm your heart and home, this roasted butternut squash soup is just what you need! The combination of sweet, creamy butternut squash and aromatic spices creates a comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With just a handful of simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, you can whip up this delightful soup any night of the week.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility—it’s great as a starter for a festive dinner or as the main course on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based, making it suitable for everyone at the table. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this roasted butternut squash soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe only takes about 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The natural sweetness of the butternut squash makes it appealing to both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare a big batch in advance and store it for later—perfect for meal prepping!
• Nourishing Ingredients: Packed with wholesome vegetables and spices, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Cozy Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm bowl of creamy soup on a cold day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This roasted butternut squash soup features simple, wholesome ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Each element contributes to the rich flavor and creamy texture that make this soup irresistible.

For the Soup

• 1 small to medium-sized Butternut Squash
• 7 fl oz Coconut Milk
• 1-2 Red Onions
• 2 Carrots
• 1-2 Bell Peppers
• 1-2 heads of Garlic
• 2 Tomatoes (or 1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes)
• 1 1/2 cups Vegetable Broth
• 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (optional; grated)

For Seasoning

• Olive Oil (enough to drizzle over vegetables)
• Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
• 1 tsp Chili Oil

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some sweet potatoes or parsnips for added sweetness and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add more chili oil or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Creamy Alternatives: Swap coconut milk with cashew cream for a different creamy texture.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add an aromatic twist.

How to Make Roasted Butternut squash soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 390°F (200°C). This step is crucial because roasting the vegetables at high heat helps caramelize their natural sugars, enhancing their flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Next, prepare your vegetables! You can peel and chop the butternut squash or simply cut it in half for roasting. Halving will take longer to cook but gives a wonderful depth of flavor. Chopping speeds things up if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Season the Vegetables

In a large baking dish, add all your chopped veggies along with seasonings like black pepper, ground cumin, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and chili oil. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss everything well. If you’ve halved your squash, make sure to drizzle olive oil on the exposed flesh too! Cover with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.

Step 4: Roasting

Roast your vegetables for about 1 ½ hours or until they are golden and soft inside. If you’ve chopped them smaller, keep an eye on them; they may need less time. For the last 10 minutes of roasting, remove the foil—this will let everything caramelize beautifully!

Step 5: Blending

Once roasted, scoop out the flesh from your butternut squash if halved and transfer all veggies into a blender. Add vegetable broth and grated ginger if you’re using it. Blend until smooth and creamy—this step transforms your roasted goodies into luscious soup!

Step 6: Cooking the Soup

Pour that beautiful blended mixture into a pot over medium heat. Stir in coconut milk and let everything warm through for about two minutes. This adds creaminess without any dairy!

Step 7: Final Touch

Finally, taste your soup! Adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro, a drizzle of coconut milk on top, and maybe even some chili flakes or additional chili oil for those who crave spice.

Now enjoy every spoonful of your homemade roasted butternut squash soup; it’s pure comfort in a bowl!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Making the perfect roasted butternut squash soup can be a delightful experience, and I’m here to help you along the way!

• Choose a ripe squash: Look for butternut squashes that feel heavy for their size and have a uniform tan color. A ripe squash ensures maximum sweetness and creaminess in your soup.

• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can introduce warmth and depth to your soup.

• Blend until smooth: For that extra creamy texture, blend your soup thoroughly. A high-speed blender will create a velvety finish that makes each spoonful heavenly.

• Use homemade vegetable broth: If possible, use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought. It adds a fresh flavor and allows you to control the salt content.

• Make it a meal: Add cooked grains like quinoa or lentils to the soup for extra heartiness. This not only boosts the nutrition but also turns your soup into a complete meal.

How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

This roasted butternut squash soup is not just delicious; it’s also visually appealing! Presenting it beautifully can enhance the dining experience.

Garnishes

• Coconut cream drizzle: A swirl of coconut cream on top adds elegance and richness.
• Toasted pumpkin seeds: Sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley can brighten up the dish with color and freshness.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread pairs perfectly with this soup, perfect for dipping and soaking up every delicious drop.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup, adding freshness and balance to your meal.
• Roasted vegetables: A side of seasonal roasted vegetables brings extra nutrients and flavors that resonate well with the main dish.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers works wonders alongside this creamy soup, providing additional texture and nutrition.

Enjoying this cozy roasted butternut squash soup with these serving suggestions will surely make it an unforgettable meal! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This roasted butternut squash soup is excellent for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a comforting bowl throughout the week. Here’s how to store your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For easy thawing, consider freezing in individual portions.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Add a splash of coconut milk or vegetable broth if you want to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this cozy soup recipe!

What makes this Roasted Butternut squash soup creamy?

The creaminess comes from the addition of coconut milk, which adds richness without any dairy. The roasted butternut squash also contributes a smooth texture that makes this soup incredibly comforting.

Can I customize my Roasted Butternut squash soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like sweet potatoes or kale, or incorporate different spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I know when my butternut squash is done roasting?

Your butternut squash is done when it is fork-tender and caramelized on the edges. If you’re not sure, you can always test it with a fork; it should slide in easily.

Is this Roasted Butternut squash soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stores well in the refrigerator and freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it anytime you crave a warm bowl of comfort.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this roasted butternut squash soup as much as I do! It’s truly special—perfectly creamy and packed with flavor to warm you up on those chilly evenings. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, it’s bound to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!