🍂 Autumn Gold Butternut Squash Soup 🥣
Autumn Gold Butternut Squash Soup is a delightful, creamy, and heartwarming soup that’s perfect for the fall season. It’s a popular choice for those chilly days when you want to cozy up with a delicious bowl of soup. Here’s a detailed response with all the components, history, and steps to prepare it:
📜 History:
Butternut squash soup has its roots in North America and is a beloved dish in the fall and winter seasons. The history of this specific recipe is less documented, but it’s likely a modern twist on the classic butternut squash soup, enhanced with additional ingredients for a rich and flavorful experience.
🧁 Components:
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: roasted pumpkin seeds, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Squash: Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and place it on a baking sheet. Drizzle the squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the squash is tender.
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Sauté the Aromatics: While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
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Add the Veggies and Apple: Add the diced carrot and apple to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften.
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Scoop and Blend: Once the butternut squash is roasted and cooled slightly, scoop out the flesh and add it to the pot with the sautéed ingredients. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
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Season and Blend: Stir in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches to puree it until smooth. If using a blender, be sure to blend in batches and be cautious as the soup will be hot.
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Finish and Serve: Return the pureed soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option), and warm it gently without boiling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with your choice of roasted pumpkin seeds, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can add an extra touch of flavor.
⏱️ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Autumn Gold Butternut Squash Soup is approximately 1 hour, including the roasting time for the butternut squash.
Enjoy this delicious and warming soup on a crisp autumn day, and don’t forget to garnish it to your heart’s content! 🍁🍲😊
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Autumn Gold Butternut Squash Soup:
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: 150-200 (varies depending on ingredients used)
- Total Fat: 5-8 grams (varies depending on ingredients used)
- Saturated Fat: 2-4 grams (varies depending on ingredients used)
- Cholesterol: 10-20 milligrams (varies depending on ingredients used)
- Sodium: 400-600 milligrams (varies depending on ingredients used)
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams (varies depending on ingredients used)
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams (varies depending on ingredients used)
- Sugars: 6-8 grams (varies depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: 2-4 grams (varies depending on ingredients used)
- Vitamin A: 100-150% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 15-20% of the DV
- Calcium: 6-8% of the DV
- Iron: 6-10% of the DV
🌟 Health Information:
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Butternut squash is a great source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A and vitamin C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and a strong immune system.
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It’s also rich in dietary fiber, which can promote digestive health and help you feel full, making it a good choice for weight management.
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The use of heavy cream can add richness and flavor but also increases the calorie and fat content. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use coconut milk, which provides a creamy texture with less saturated fat.
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The soup is typically low in cholesterol and is suitable for those watching their cholesterol intake.
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However, the sodium content may vary depending on the type and amount of broth or seasoning used. If you’re concerned about sodium intake, consider using low-sodium broth and seasoning to control salt content.
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Overall, butternut squash soup can be a nutritious and delicious choice, especially when prepared with health-conscious ingredient choices.
Remember that the actual nutrition content may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size you use, so it’s a good practice to check the labels on your specific ingredients for the most accurate nutritional information. Enjoy your Autumn Gold Butternut Squash Soup as part of a balanced diet! 🍲🍂😊
