🛒 Ingredients
- 🥣 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 🧅 1 medium onion, diced
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🎃 4 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 🥕 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 🥔 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 🥣 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 🥛 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 🌿 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
- 🌱 Optional: Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the cubed butternut squash, carrot, and potato to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the oil and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Cook the Soup
- Add the Broth:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup:
- Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend in batches, then return to the pot.
- Season and Add Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes over low heat.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🍎 Apple Twist: Add a peeled and diced apple for a hint of sweetness.
- 🥥 Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly soup.
- 🌿 Spiced Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for extra warmth.
- 🥣 Thicker Consistency: Add less broth for a thicker soup, perfect for dipping crusty bread.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy butternut squash soup warm, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley. Pair it with a slice of rustic bread or a side salad for a light yet satisfying starter.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup is the perfect balance of comforting and flavorful. Its velvety texture, warm spices, and natural sweetness make it an ideal dish for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its elegant simplicity.
