Cream of butternut soup is a smooth, creamy, and comforting dish that embodies the flavors of fall. It's perfect for chilly evenings, holiday dinners, or even as a light lunch throughout the year. Butternut squash is the star ingredient, providing a sweet and nutty flavor balanced with herbs, spices, and creaminess. This soup is versatile enough to allow room for experimentation while still offering a wholesome meal packed with vitamins and minerals.
In this blog, I will walk you through the steps to make the perfect cream of butternut soup, along with some variations and tips to enhance the recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe will be easy to follow and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here are the key ingredients to prepare a classic cream of butternut soup:
1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and chopped into cubes)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 medium carrot (peeled and chopped)
1 medium potato (peeled and chopped, for extra creaminess)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (depending on your preference)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh thyme (for garnish, optional)
Pumpkin seeds (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Butternut Squash
The first and most crucial step in making butternut soup is prepping the butternut squash. Begin by peeling the squash with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Then, cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes. The smaller cubes help the squash cook more quickly and evenly.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrot, and potato to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure that nothing sticks or burns.
Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the butternut squash will help enhance the flavor of the soup. The carrots and potatoes provide extra texture and creaminess, ensuring that the soup is smooth without being too watery.
3. Add the Butternut Squash
Once the vegetables are softened, add the chopped butternut squash to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Allow the butternut squash to cook for another 3-5 minutes, absorbing some of the flavors from the sautéed vegetables.
4. Pour in the Broth
Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, ensuring that it covers all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the butternut squash and potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
5. Blend the Soup
Once the squash is fully cooked, it’s time to blend the soup. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If you like your soup on the chunkier side, you can blend only part of it, leaving some pieces of butternut squash intact.
Note: If you're using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering. Do not fill the blender to the top—blend in small batches, leaving some space for the hot liquid to expand.
6. Add Cream and Spices
Once your soup is blended, return it to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan version) and blend until well-incorporated. This step adds a luscious, silky texture to the soup. Afterward, add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. These spices bring warmth and enhance the natural sweetness of the squash.
7. Adjust Seasonings
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may find that a bit more salt or pepper is required, or you may want to add additional spices like ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
8. Garnish and Serve
Your cream of butternut soup is now ready to be served! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or roasted pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch. The pumpkin seeds add texture and a lovely nutty flavor that complements the soup’s creaminess.
For an elegant presentation, you can also drizzle a small amount of extra cream or olive oil over the top. Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
1. Dairy-Free Option
If you're looking to make the soup dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Coconut milk works particularly well, adding a tropical note that complements the butternut squash. For a more neutral flavor, use almond or cashew milk.
2. Spice it Up
While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices for butternut soup, you can also experiment with other flavors. Ground cumin or curry powder can give the soup an earthy or exotic twist. A dash of smoked paprika adds depth and a subtle smokiness.
3. Add Some Protein
To make this soup more filling, you can stir in some cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or lentils after blending. These ingredients will bulk up the soup without compromising its creamy texture.
4. Make it Roasted
For an even richer flavor, consider roasting the butternut squash instead of boiling it. Simply toss the cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until tender. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and caramelizes the edges of the squash, adding another layer of flavor to the soup.
5. Freezing the Soup
Butternut soup freezes exceptionally well. To store it, let the soup cool completely and transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove. Stir in the cream just before serving for a fresh, velvety texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, which support healthy vision and immune function. It's also a good source of dietary fiber, helping with digestion and promoting heart health. The soup, being relatively low in calories yet filling, makes for a healthy option, especially if you opt for low-fat dairy or a plant-based milk alternative.
Final Thoughts
Cream of butternut soup is the perfect dish to enjoy during the fall and winter seasons. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish both the body and the soul. The creamy texture, combined with the subtle sweetness of butternut squash and warming spices, makes it a versatile dish suitable for any meal.
Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer for a holiday meal or enjoying it as a simple weeknight dinner, this butternut soup recipe is sure to impress. Follow the steps above, and you’ll have a delicious, heartwarming bowl of soup in no time.
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