Ah, butternut squash soup—the cozy hug of the culinary world! As the leaves turn and the air takes on that crisp edge, there’s nothing quite like the sweet, silky warmth of this golden bowl to wrap you up. And this one? It’s almost laughably simple, like a favorite sweater you find in the back of your closet just when you need it most.
Steps
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper, sautéing until the onion is soft, which should take about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add the butternut squash to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften, roughly 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, sage, rosemary, and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds to 1 minute until they become fragrant. Then, pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook until the squash is tender, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it to a blender. Blend until smooth, working in batches if needed. If the soup is too thick, add up to 1 cup more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve the soup garnished with parsley and pepitas, accompanied by crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of butternut squash
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 to 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?
- While the recipe specifically calls for butternut squash, you can experiment with other types of squash like acorn or kabocha. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but it should still result in a delicious soup.
- Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes well and can be kept in the freezer for several months. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
- What can I use as a substitute for fresh herbs?
- If you don’t have fresh sage and rosemary, you can use dried herbs instead. Typically, you would use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. Adjust to taste, as dried herbs can have a more concentrated flavor.
- Can I make this soup without a blender?
- Yes, if you don’t have a blender, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup. Alternatively, you can mash the squash manually for a chunkier texture, though the soup will not be as creamy.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?
- This butternut squash soup pairs well with crusty bread, homemade focaccia, or avocado toast. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a simple fall salad or roasted vegetables, such as lemon green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Tips
- Weigh Your Squash: Make sure to weigh your butternut squash at the store to ensure you get the right amount for the recipe, especially if you don’t have a scale at home.
- Blend in Batches: If your blender isn’t large enough to handle all the soup at once, blend it in batches to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper at the end of the cooking process to suit your preference.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Enhance the flavor and presentation of your soup by garnishing with fresh parsley and pepitas before serving.
Equipment
- Blender: A high-quality blender like a Vitamix is recommended for achieving a smooth and creamy soup texture.
- Large Pot: A large pot is essential for sautéing the vegetables and simmering the soup. If you don’t have a suitable one, you might consider purchasing it.
- Kitchen Scale: Useful for weighing the butternut squash to ensure you have the right amount, especially if you don’t have one at home.
