Feeling like something warm and flavorful? This soup is for you.
Making soup from scratch can take time but I promise the results are worth it. This recipe can easily be modified for a vegetarian or vegan diet by choosing vegetable broth and not adding creamer.
Ingredients:
1 medium-large butternut squash
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
1 carrot, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1/4 large yellow onion, diced
1 large clove of garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
4 c. chicken or vegetable broth
1/4-1/2 c. milk or cream (optional)
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Peel the butternut squash. I typically do so by cutting it in half and creating flat surfaces by cutting off the top and bottom as shown below. Then cut around the outside of the squash to remove the skin. This is definitely easiest if your knife is sharp. You can also microwave the squash for a few minutes, let it cool briefly, and then use a vegetable peeler (or knife) to peel the skin.
3. Cut the squash into cubes and place on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss until evenly coated. Spread the squash so that they are in a single layer to help them roast evenly. Roast for 25 minutes until squash is easily pierced with a fork or starting to brown as pictured below.
4. While the butternut squash is roasting dice (small pieces or cubes) the carrot, celery, and onion. Then, mince (smaller pieces) the garlic and ginger. Ultimately, it will all be blended together so don't worry about making your pieces pretty.
5. Heat up a large pot on the stove. Drizzle enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot and cook until softened. Then add the garlic and ginger to the pot and saute until fragrant - about 1-2 minutes.
6. Add the roasted butternut squash and the chicken or vegetable broth. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Let cool slightly and add 1/4-1/2 c. milk or cream if desired. Blend soup until smooth. I like to use a handheld immersion blender but you can also use a blender or food processor and blend in smaller batches.
8. Salt & pepper to taste. Add a dash or two of cayenne pepper, if desired, for a mildly spicy undertone. Serve & enjoy a tasty, warm heart hug.
