Healthy Butternut Squash Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This Healthy Butternut Squash Soup is a creamy, delicious, and nutritious dish perfect for cozy nights.
This Healthy Butternut Squash Soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it the perfect addition to your fall meal rotation. With its vibrant color and creamy texture, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, natural sweetness from roasted butternut squash
- Creamy texture without heavy cream, keeping it healthy
- Perfectly spiced for a warm and comforting bowl
The Health Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to a robust immune system and promote healthy skin. The natural sweetness of butternut squash makes it a delightful addition to many dishes, especially soups, where it can shine without overpowering other flavors.
Incorporating butternut squash into your diet can help support heart health due to its high potassium content. This mineral aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, the fiber in butternut squash supports digestive health, making it an excellent choice for those looking to boost their overall well-being.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Healthy Butternut Squash Soup is not only delicious but also an ideal meal prep option. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week and can be frozen for longer periods, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious meal at any time. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
To make meal prepping even easier, consider doubling the recipe. This way, you can have a comforting bowl of soup ready whenever you need it. Pair it with whole grain bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that is both filling and good for you.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve this butternut squash soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. A sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds or croutons can provide a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also elevate the flavors, adding a burst of freshness.
For those looking to spice things up, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of coconut milk during blending. These variations can add a unique twist to the traditional recipe, allowing you to customize the soup to your taste preferences while keeping it healthy.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Soup
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Enjoy this soup with a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete meal!
Instructions
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Cook the Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot, along with ground ginger and cinnamon. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes.
Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of olive oil.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your Healthy Butternut Squash Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
If you've frozen the soup, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This will help retain its creamy texture. For best results, reheat slowly to avoid scorching the bottom of the pot.
Nutritional Information
This Healthy Butternut Squash Soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. A typical serving contains about 150 calories, making it a low-calorie option perfect for those watching their intake. It is high in fiber, which can promote feelings of fullness and aid digestion.
Each bowl is also rich in vitamins and minerals, providing a healthy dose of Vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, and Vitamin C, known for its immune-boosting properties. Enjoy this soup guilt-free, knowing it’s contributing to your health!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen butternut squash works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
→ Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan as it uses vegetable broth.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Healthy Butternut Squash Soup
This Healthy Butternut Squash Soup is a creamy, delicious, and nutritious dish perfect for cozy nights.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot, along with ground ginger and cinnamon. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 4g