Homemade Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Butternut squash soup is a soothing and delicious dish, perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and flavorful. This homemade version is easy to make and packed with the wholesome goodness of butternut squash.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a hearty and creamy butternut squash soup in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2–3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added depth)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for a hint of warmth)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for added aroma)
• 1 cup coconut milk, heavy cream, or half-and-half (for creaminess)
• Pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs, or croutons for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare The Butternut Squash:

• Peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon, and dice the flesh into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.

Sauté The Aromatics:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.

Cook The Butternut Squash:

• Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and mixing to coat the squash with the onion and garlic mixture.
• Tip in the vegetable broth, ensuring the squash is fully submerged. Add salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and fresh thyme or rosemary if using.

Simmer Until Tender:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the butternut squash is fork-tender.

Blend The Soup:

• Once the squash is tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Otherwise, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids—allow steam to escape to avoid pressure buildup in the blender.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can leave some pieces of squash unblended.

Add Creaminess:

• Return the blended soup to the pot if you cast-off a blender. Stir in coconut milk, heavy cream, or half-and-half to achieve the desired level of creaminess. Warm the soup over low heat, but do not let it boil.

Adjust Seasoning:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cinnamon to taste.

Serve And Garnish:

• Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs, croutons, or a drizzle of coconut milk or cream. Help with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips For The Perfect Butternut Squash Soup:

• Roasting the Squash: For a deeper, caramelized flavor, you can roast the butternut squash cubes in the oven before adding them to the soup. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes until tender and fairly browned.
• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme complement the sweetness of butternut squash beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs.
• Add Spices: For a twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or curry powder to the soup for a burst of flavor.

Storage And Reheating:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Butternut squash soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring irregularly. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.

Enjoy this homemade butternut squash soup as a delightful addition to your meal rotation. It’s creamy, full of nutrients, and sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting, heartwarming dish.