What’s more comforting than a bowl of warm, velvety soup on a chilly evening? How about a bowl of rich, flavorful roasted butternut squash soup? With its distinct sweet and nutty taste, butternut squash elevates the humble soup into a gourmet dish. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it as good for you as it is delicious. Intrigued yet?
Creating this roasted butternut squash soup is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Each ingredient is a piece that fits perfectly together, creating a harmonious and satisfying end result. From the earthy squash to the aromatic herbs and spices, every component plays a crucial role in creating this culinary masterpiece. Ready to embark on this kitchen adventure?
The Magic of Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasting the butternut squash is the first step in this recipe and arguably the most important one. It transforms the squash into a sweet, slightly caramelized delight, which provides the backbone for our soup. Everything else you add only accentuates and complements this delectable flavor.
Plus, the roasting process is quite straightforward. All it requires is a sprinkle of olive oil, a dash of salt, and a hot oven. The result is a roasted butternut squash that’s bursting with flavor and ready to be blended into a velvety soup.
The Symphony of Flavors
The spices and herbs used in this recipe contribute to the complex flavor palette of our soup. We use classics like rosemary, thyme, garlic, and onion, which go hand in hand with butternut squash. They provide a savory counterpoint to the squash’s inherent sweetness, creating a balance that’s utterly delightful.
In addition to the classics, we also incorporate a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. These spices add an extra layer of warmth and depth, making the soup perfect for those cold, cozy nights. Trust me, once you start adding these spices to your soup, there’s no going back.
Blending it All Together
Once the squash is roasted and the spices are ready, it’s time to blend everything together. This step requires a high-quality blender or immersion blender. The goal is to create a soup with a smooth, creamy texture that’s a joy to savor.
The blending process also allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s like they’re getting to know each other, creating a blend that’s greater than the sum of its parts. And once you taste the finished product, you’ll understand why this step is crucial.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and brush the halves with olive oil. Season with salt and roast for about 45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and slightly caramelized.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the rosemary, thyme, nutmeg, and cinnamon and cook for another minute.
- Add the roasted butternut squash and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches. Just make sure to let it cool a bit before blending to avoid any accidents.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Tips for Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Here are a few tips to make your butternut squash soup even better. First, don’t skimp on the roasting time for the squash. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from. Secondly, feel free to experiment with the spices. You can add a pinch of cayenne if you like a bit of heat. Lastly, use homemade vegetable broth if possible. It makes a world of difference in terms of flavor.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This roasted butternut squash soup is a delicious and unique dish that’s perfect for fall and winter. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, which pairs beautifully with the aromatic herbs and spices. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your kitchen.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g