How to Make Golden Butternut Squash Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
There’s nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when the weather starts to get chilly. One of the easiest and most delicious soups to make is golden butternut squash soup. With its velvety texture, beautiful color, and naturally sweet taste, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that works for almost any occasion. Best of all, it’s simple to make with just a few basic ingredients.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to prepare this golden butternut squash soup in a no-fuss way. You don’t need fancy cooking skills or tools—just a love for good food!
Ingredients
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–3 pounds)
- 1 medium onion (yellow or white works best)
- 2–3 cloves of garlic
- 4 cups of vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup of coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional, a warm spice that pairs beautifully with squash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- A large soup pot
- A blender or immersion blender
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
Start by peeling the butternut squash. The skin can be tough, so use a sharp vegetable peeler or a sturdy knife. Once peeled, cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Then chop the squash into medium-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
If peeling and chopping feels like too much work, here’s a shortcut: Many grocery stores sell pre-cut butternut squash cubes in the refrigerated produce section.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Aromatics like onion and garlic form the base of any flavorful soup. Dice the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, stirring frequently until they’re softened and slightly golden—this will take about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Squash
Throw the chopped butternut squash into the pot with the onions and garlic. Give everything a good stir to coat the squash in the oil or butter. Let the squash cook for about 5 minutes to deepen its flavor.
Step 4: Add Broth and Spices
Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure it covers the squash completely. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you prefer a simpler flavor, you can leave out the spices—they’re optional, but they add a warm and cozy touch to the soup.
Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
When the squash is cooked and soft, it’s time to blend your soup to create that silky-smooth texture. Use one of the following methods:
- Blender method: Let the soup cool slightly, then carefully transfer it in batches to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Immersion blender method: If you have an immersion blender, simply stick it into the pot and blend the soup directly until smooth. This method is quicker and less messy.
After blending, return the soup to the pot if you used a blender.
Step 6: Add Coconut Milk (Optional)
For an extra creamy and luxurious soup, stir in 1 cup of coconut milk after blending. Coconut milk adds richness and a subtle hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the squash. You can also use heavy cream or cashew cream as an alternative.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your golden butternut squash soup is ready to be served! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish it if you’d like. Some tasty topping ideas include:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- A drizzle of olive oil or coconut milk
- Crunchy croutons or toasted pumpkin seeds
- A sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick
Serve the soup warm, and enjoy every spoonful of its creamy, golden goodness. This soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Golden butternut squash soup is not only a treat for your taste buds but also packed with health benefits. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s comforting yet light, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner.
Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, feel free to experiment. You can add ingredients like ginger for a zingy flavor, apples for extra sweetness, or chili powder for some spice. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Making golden butternut squash soup doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple, wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this soup is sure to impress.
So, grab a squash and start cooking—you’ll be amazed at how easy and tasty this homemade soup can be!
