Creamy and Comforting Butternut Squash Soup

Cold weather and soup are synonymous in my mind. Nothing is more comforting then a warming bowl of goodness – except one that’s easy to prepare, nutritious and versatile. This Butternut Squash recipe is it. Make it vegan by using vegetable stock and now it’s a plant-based powerhouse.

This Butternut Squash soup has a mousse-like consistency that almost addicting. To add even more staying power, I serve it over quinoa. Let me know if try it and any modifications/additions you make!

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

1 package (20 oz) cubed butternut squash

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 clove of garlic, or more to taste

1 tsp. turmeric

1 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. Frontier Berebere Seasoning (optional for heat)

1 Tbsp. maple syrup

1/2 tsp. salt

3 Cups broth (vegetable, bone or chicken)

1/2 Cup nutpods coconut milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Place butternut squash cubes on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, until the squash is tender.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.  Set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add the onions to the pot and sauté until soft, about  8-10 minutes.  Add the garlic and continue to sauté for 2 minutes.  Add the turmeric and curry powder, heating until the spices are aromatic. Add the butternut squash, maple syrup, salt and broth.  Bring the pot to a boil, stir, cover and simmer.  Cook for 25 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat and uncover.  Let mixture cool* and add the nutpods coconut milk, stir to combine. Puree the contents of the pot in a blender until smooth.

Optional toppings: scallions, pumpkin seeds or herbs or spices of your choosing. I added some heat with Frontier Berebere spice blend. Serve over quinoa to make it heartier.

*Make sure the soup is cool before placing in the blender to puree. Blending liquids while hot can force the blender lid off and be dangerous.

This recipe is compilation of favorite Butternut Squash recipes I’ve found through the years. Let me know what you think!