Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: A Cozy Hug in a Bowl đđ„Ł
Ah, the chill of fall is here and you know what that means⊠itâs soup season! Nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of roasted butternut squash soup. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time Iâve curled up with this deliciousness, I could probably buy a lifetime supply of squashes. đ„° This recipe is not just tasty; itâs like a warm hug from your grandma on a rainy day. So grab your apron (or just a big ol' shirt you donât mind getting messy), and letâs get cookinâ!
Letâs Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup! đ„ł
Alright, my friend! You ready to dive into the world of squash? You might think, âHow hard can this be?â Well, Iâm here to tell you, if you can roast a veggie, you can make this soup! Honestly, itâs easier than convincing a moose to cross the road (just kidding, they probably do what they want). So here goes:
Ingredients Youâll Need:
- 1 medium butternut squash (they're kinda like the big pumpkins of the squash family, but sweeterâtrust me)
- 1 onion (the kind that makes you cry, but weâre gonna make it worth your while)
- 2 garlic cloves (because who doesnât love garlic? Itâs basically magic)
- 4 cups of veggie broth (or chicken broth if youâre feeling wild)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter if you wanna indulge)
- Salt & pepper (to taste, duh)
- A dash of nutmeg (because it adds that fancy touch)
- Optional: a swirl of cream or coconut milk for that creamy goodness
Cooking Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: First things first, crank that oven up to 400°F (about 200°C for my friends north of the border). We want to roast that squash until itâs caramelized and sweet, just like your Auntie Sue's famous brownies.
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Prep the Squash: Cut that butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds (just like youâd do with pumpkins), and then drizzle a bit of olive oil on the cut side. Sprinkle some salt and pepperâjust imagine youâre seasoning a steak (even though itâs a squash).
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Roast It: Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast it in the oven for about 40-50 minutes. You want it to be fork-tender. And, oh man, the smell wafting from your oven? Pure bliss!
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Cook the Veggies: While thatâs roasting, chop up your onion and garlic. In a pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the onion and sautĂ© it until itâs soft and translucent (like the friendly ghost of your kitchen). Add the garlic and sautĂ© for a minuteâjust enough to get that aroma going!
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Add Broth & Squash: When the squash is done, scoop out the flesh and toss it into the pot with the sautĂ©ed onion and garlic. Pour in the veggie broth and add a sprinkle of nutmeg. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is when magic happensâso much flavor!
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Blend It Up: Now, hereâs the fun part. Use an immersion blender (or a regular blender, if youâre feeling brave) and blend until itâs all smooth and creamy. Just be careful not to burn your face off with hot soup! đ
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Taste & Adjust: Give it a taste, and feel free to add more salt, pepper, or that cream if you wanna live your best creamy life.
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Serve!: Ladle that beautiful soup into bowls and, if youâre feeling fancy, add a swirl of cream and some crunchy croutons on top. Enjoy it while snuggled under a blanket, binge-watching your favorite show. Perfection!
Fun Facts About Roasted Butternut Squash Soup đ
Did you know that butternut squash is technically a fruit? Yep, itâs related to pumpkins and cucumbersâso next time someone asks, âWhatâs your favourite fruit?â, you can say âbutternut squashâ and watch their faces. đ
Historically, butternut squash was first cultivated by Native Americans and has been a staple in their diets for centuries. They knew whatâs up! Itâs loaded with nutrients, tooâthink vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Basically, itâs like natureâs multivitamin wrapped in a cozy, sweet package.
FAQ đ€
Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash?
A: Totally! Just skip the roasting part and toss it right into your pot. Itâll cook a bit quicker, so keep an eye on it!
Q: What can I serve with the soup?
A: Grilled cheese is the classic combo! Or some crusty bread. Just be sure to dip itâlifeâs too short not to dunk your bread, am I right?
Q: How long does this soup last?
A: In the fridge, about 5-7 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure you add a little water when reheating; it tends to thicken up like a shy kid at a party.
Conclusion đ
And there you have it, folks! A simple, tasty roasted butternut squash soup recipe thatâs perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to feel cozy. Whether youâre new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this soup is sure to bring warmth to your soul and a smile to your face. So grab that squash and get cookinââyou won't regret it! Happy soup-making! đ„Łâ€ïž