Squash Soup Blender Recipe
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This creamy and delicious squash soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. With just a few ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a bowl of comfort that warms the soul.
This squash soup blender recipe is not only simple to make, but it also highlights the natural sweetness of squash, enhanced by a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it embodies the essence of autumn in every spoonful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that soothes the palate
- Naturally sweet and savory flavors combined
- Quick and easy preparation with minimal cleanup
The Perfect Comfort Food
Squash soup is a quintessential comfort food, especially during the fall and winter months. Its creamy consistency and warm flavors make it a go-to dish for those chilly evenings when you crave something soothing. This recipe provides a delightful balance of sweetness from the butternut squash and savoriness from the spices, creating a harmonious blend that is sure to please your taste buds.
What sets this squash soup apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet healthy. The addition of coconut milk not only enriches the texture but also adds a layer of tropical flavor that elevates the entire soup experience. It's a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of this squash soup recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, if you prefer a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños during the cooking process. Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of squash, such as acorn or pumpkin, to create unique variations.
This soup can also serve as a base for other ingredients. Feel free to toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein, or top it with roasted pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch. The possibilities are endless, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or a weeknight dinner.
Health Benefits of Squash
Butternut squash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It's an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a robust immune system. Additionally, its high fiber content aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer, making this soup a nutritious choice for any meal.
Moreover, the spices used in this recipe, such as ginger and cinnamon, come with their own health benefits. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe digestive issues, while cinnamon has been linked to improved blood sugar control. Incorporating these ingredients into your diet can contribute to overall well-being.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delightful squash soup:
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious squash soup:
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they are translucent.
Cook the Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot, along with the vegetable broth, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes until the squash is tender.
Blend the Soup
Once the squash is soft, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
Add Coconut Milk
Stir in the coconut milk and mix well. Return to low heat to warm through, adjusting seasoning as necessary.
Serve
Serve the soup warm, garnished with a drizzle of coconut milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade squash soup!
Storage and Reheating Tips
This squash soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you'd like to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Just make sure to let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
When reheating, you may notice that the soup thickens as it sits. If this happens, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or coconut milk to achieve your desired consistency. Stir well to ensure an even texture throughout.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy squash soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a crusty bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette can complement the rich flavors of the soup, while a slice of homemade sourdough or baguette is perfect for dipping.
For an extra touch, you might also want to garnish the soup with roasted nuts or seeds, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or even a dollop of yogurt or sour cream. These toppings not only enhance the presentation but also add different textures and flavors that make every spoonful delightful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe? Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash is a convenient option and can save you time in preparation. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking, and adjust the simmering time as needed since it may cook faster than fresh squash.
How can I make this soup vegan? This recipe is already vegan-friendly thanks to the use of coconut milk. Just ensure that your vegetable broth is also vegan, and you’re all set! This soup is a great option for those following a plant-based lifestyle.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen squash?
Yes, frozen squash can be substituted. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
→ How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.
→ Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses vegetable broth and coconut milk.
Squash Soup Blender Recipe
This creamy and delicious squash soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. With just a few ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a bowl of comfort that warms the soul.
Created by: Vanessa Doyle
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they are translucent.
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot, along with the vegetable broth, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes until the squash is tender.
Once the squash is soft, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
Stir in the coconut milk and mix well. Return to low heat to warm through, adjusting seasoning as necessary.
Serve the soup warm, garnished with a drizzle of coconut milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g