Butternut Squash Soup

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, flavorful soup on a cold winter day. soups are so comforting and filling, and they’re the perfect way to use up seasonal produce. This butternut squash soup is our absolute favorite—it’s creamy, flavorful, and super easy to make. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants. So not only is it delicious, but it’s good for you, too! Read on for the recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, or more to taste   
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

How to Make Butternut Squash Soup

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine butternut squash cubes, chicken broth, peanut butter, honey, salt, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until squash is tender.
4. In a large saucepan over medium heat saute onion and garlic until soft. Add baked squash mixture and cream and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Puree soup in batches in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return to pot and heat through before serving garnished with parsley.

Health Facts of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a typical fall vegetable. Its scientific name is Cucurbita moschata. It’s a member of the cucurbit family, which includes watermelons, cantaloupes, and cucumbers. The squash is also known as butternut pumpkin or gramma.

This winter squash gets its name from its buttery-yellow color and nutty flavor. While it’s often used in pies and other desserts, butter squash is also a healthy side dish option. It’s a good source of Vitamin A and potassium. Plus, it contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain cancers and heart disease. Low in calories and fat, and high in fiber, butternut squash is a perfect addition to any healthy diet.

Tips to Choose the Best Butternut Squash

When selecting butternut squash, look for one that’s heavy for its size with smooth, tan skin. Avoid squash with blemishes, bruises, or cracks since these may indicate that the fruit is past its prime. The stem should be intact, and the bottom should be flat, not pointy.

Once you’ve selected a good squash, store it in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. If you need to keep it longer than that, stored it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator where it will last for up to three months.

How to Cut and Prepare Butternut Squash

Cutting butternut squash can be a bit tricky since it’s such a hard vegetable. The first step is to cut off the stem. Then, cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of the squash with a spoon.

Once the squash is seeded, it can be peeled with a vegetable peeler or knife. To make things easier, you can cut the squash into smaller pieces before peeling. Once it’s peeled, the squash can be cut into cubes or sliced as desired.

How to Cook Butternut Squash

There are several different ways that you can cook butternut squash. Besides the soup recipe included here, it can be roasted, baked, grilled, or even microwaved.

To roast butternut squash, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the squash into cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring a few times during cooking. Roasted butternut squash can be added to salads, and pasta dishes, or enjoyed as a side dish.

Butternut squash can also be made into puree. This can be done by steaming, boiling, or baking the squash and then passing it through a food mill or blender. This puree can be used in pies, quick bread, and other desserts.

You can also bake butternut squash whole. Simply pierce the skin a few times with a fork and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the squash is soft when pierced with a fork. If you’re in a hurry, microwave whole butternut squash on high for 5-7 minutes. Baked squash can be served as is or topped with butter, brown sugar, or spices.

Conclusion

Butternut squash can be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet. Choose a good squash, and cut it into cubes or slices as desired. You can roast, bake, grill, or microwave it for a quick and easy side dish. Or, make a tasty soup like the recipe included here. No matter how you prepare it, butternut squash is sure to be a hit!