Imagine a soup so velvety and rich that it captures the essence of autumn in every spoonful. This Spiced Squash Apple Soup is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious, soul-warming experience. With its perfect blend of sweet butternut squash, crisp apples, and warming spices, this soup promises to transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with irresistible aromas and pure comfort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by peeling and chopping the butternut squash, apple, onion, and garlic. Ensure squash cubes are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add cubed butternut squash and chopped apple to the pot. Stir to combine with onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the vegetables, stirring to evenly distribute the spices and coat all ingredients.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring all vegetables are mostly covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until squash becomes very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a standard blender in batches.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If soup is too thick, add additional broth to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with a swirl of cream, toasted pumpkin seeds, or fresh herbs like thyme.
Tips
- Choose a ripe butternut squash with a deep orange color and firm texture for the best flavor and sweetness.
- For a smoother consistency, take your time when blending. An immersion blender works best, but if using a standard blender, blend in small batches and be careful with hot liquids.
- Enhance the soup's depth by roasting the squash and apples before adding them to the pot for a more caramelized flavor profile.
- Experiment with garnishes like toasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of crème fraîche, or a sprinkle of fresh thyme to add texture and visual appeal.
- This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected comfort food cravings.
- For a richer version, substitute half the vegetable broth with coconut milk or heavy cream for added luxury.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. The salt and spice levels can vary depending on your broth and personal preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
