squash

Squash soup = the quintessential fall and winter soup

Though pumpkin takes centerstage throughout fall and winter, butternut squash really deserves some time in the spotlight, too. Butternut squash is packed with flavor, sweetens when roasted, and caramelizes beautifully. My husband is an avid gardener, and this recipe was inspired by some butternut squash I harvested from our front-yard garden. The fall’s gentle, temperatures here in coastal New England extend the growing season a tiny bit, so we’ll be enjoying a generous pile of squash this winter!

For this soup, I paired the squash with the warm, savory flavors of chili and cumin to balance the squash’s natural sweetness. The coconut oil lends it a subtle richness, and the final swirl of coconut milk (or cream) gives it a velvety texture.

I am a fan of any recipe that helps me save time in the kitchen. This recipe can be a serious boost to your weekly meal prep if you double the amount of roasted squash. I love to roast a big batch, and then enjoy the extra in salads, side dishes, or even eat on its own. Because, really, if you’re going to go to the trouble of firing up the oven and creating some dirty dishes, why not make enough to feed yourself for days? To make extra squash, simply double the amount of squash, spices, salt, and coconut oil, and then set aside half of the roasted squash for use in the soup.

Time-saving options to consider:

• Go with the roasted method, or skip the roasting step and add squash directly to pot (see recipe instructions).
• Start with either a whole butternut squash, OR you can take advantage of the pre-cut squash available at most supermarkets. Do not use frozen squash for this recipe if you are roasting the squash. Frozen squash does not roast well.

If the thought of cutting hard butternut squash strikes fear in your heart, no worries! It can be done safely (and easily!), without losing a finger. You see, I love a good deal when I see one, and I hate spending extra $ on pre-cut squash if it’s no big deal to do it on my own. It’s definitely cheaper to buy it whole, and in purchasing it whole, you get the benefit of extended shelf life compared to pre-cut squash. Well, here’s the super easy, safe way around that. Instead of attempting to cut a rock-hard raw squash, try this sneaky tip:

extras to use in another meal

This soup is full of comforting, nourishing flavors and textures. It’s warmly spiced without being too spicy, and comes together in just a few steps. And I just couldn’t resist throwing in a few pomegranate seeds as a garnish. The tart sweetness totally complements the savory squash flavors. Cranberries would be a great garnish, too.

all prepped and ready to go into the oven

And if you’re in a soup kind of mood, also check out my super-easy recipe for Black Bean Soup.

Print Recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Course

Soups & Stews

Servings

Ingredients

• 3 lbs or so whole butternut squash (fresh, NOT frozen; store-bought pre-cut and peeled works, too)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil melted (necessary for roasted method only)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 garlic clove minced or pressed
• 1 large shallot diced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Splash of coconut milk or organic heavy cream for serving
• pomegranate seeds or cranberries for garnish optional

Course Soups & Stews Servings Ingredients 3 lbs or so whole butternut squash (fresh, NOT frozen; store-bought pre-cut and peeled works, too) 2 tbsp coconut oil melted (necessary for roasted method only) 1 tsp chili powder 1/4 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp salt 6 cups chicken broth 1 garlic clove minced or pressed 1 large shallot diced 1 tsp olive oil Splash of coconut milk or organic heavy cream for serving pomegranate seeds or cranberries for garnish optional

Instructions

Roasted Method

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. If you are using whole (not pre-cut) squash, precook the squash for easy cutting: Place whole butternut squash on a baking sheet, and cook in oven for approximately 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool. Cut in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, peel, then cut into cubes. (If using pre-cut squash, skip this pre-cooking step. Simply cut the squash into slightly smaller, cubed pieces.)
3. In a large bowl (or right on the baking sheet), toss together the cubed squash, coconut oil, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
4. Distribute the squash onto two large baking sheets. Do not crowd the squash onto one sheet, as you will end up with steamed instead of roasted squash. Cook in the oven at 400F for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash begins to brown a bit and caramelize. Cooking times can vary, depending on the squash.
5. In a medium pot, heat olive oil on medium low heat. Add garlic and shallot, and cook until softened. Be careful not to brown the garlic (reduce heat if necessary).
6. Add cooked squash, approximately 5 cups of broth, and heat on low for 5 minutes.
7. Using an immersion blender, blend soup until smooth.* If too thick, add more broth as necessary. Serve with a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream. Garnish with pomegranate seeds or cranberries if desired.

No-roast Method

1. In a medium pot, heat olive oil on medium low heat. Add garlic and shallot, and cook until softened. Be careful not to brown the garlic (reduce heat if necessary).
2. Add cubed squash, cumin, chili powder, salt, and approximately 5 cups of broth to pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.low for 5 minutes.
4. Using an immersion blender, blend soup until smooth.* If too thick, add more broth as necessary.
5. Serve with a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream. Garnish with pomegranate seeds or cranberries if desired.

Recipe Notes

*If you don't have an immersion blender, you can puree the soup in batches in your regular blender. IMPORTANT: Check your blender's directions on how to safely blend hot foods.