Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup Recipe
Warm, comforting, and nourishing, this Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup is the perfect starter for a cozy dinner. The earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash combined with the natural sweetness of carrots and the depth of vegetable stock makes for a rich, velvety soup that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Lightly seasoned with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon, this soup is both vibrant and satisfying.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 2
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butternut squash | 1, peeled and seeded |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 3, diced |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | 2 sprigs, chopped |
| Fresh basil leaves | 6 leaves, for seasoning |
| Vegetable stock | 4 cups |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 tablespoon, squeezed |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon, freshly crushed |
| Fresh cream | 1 tablespoon, for garnish |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This ensures the oven is hot and ready to roast the squash to perfection.
2. Roast the Butternut Squash
Cut the peeled and seeded butternut squash into halves or chunks, and place them on a baking sheet. Top with fresh coriander leaves, basil, and butter. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the squash becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork. The aroma of roasting herbs and squash will fill your kitchen!
3. Sauté the Aromatics
While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become lightly roasted and softened. This will help bring out the sweetness in the vegetables.
4. Combine Roasted Squash
Once the butternut squash is done roasting, carefully remove it from the oven. Add the roasted squash into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Season and Add the Stock
Season the mixture with salt and freshly crushed black pepper. Pour in the vegetable stock and add the lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook for about 10 minutes, so the flavors can combine.
6. Blend the Soup
Once the soup has cooled slightly, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Once smooth, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
7. Heat and Serve
Reheat the soup over low heat until it’s warmed through. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a swirl of fresh cream, and sprinkle with additional chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
8. Pair and Enjoy
For a complete meal, serve this delightful Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup as an appetizer alongside Spaghetti with Pesto & Parmesan or pair it with Whole Wheat Rosemary Focaccia Bread for a comforting and hearty meal.
Tips and Variations
- For a Creamier Soup: You can add a bit of coconut milk or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Roasted Garlic Twist: Add some roasted garlic to the squash mixture for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes or add a chopped green chili while sautéing the vegetables.
- Nutty Finish: Toast some pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans to sprinkle on top as a garnish for a delightful crunch.
This Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup is an easy and elegant way to start a meal. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the squash and carrots, while the fresh herbs and lemon juice add a refreshing balance. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or as part of a larger spread, this soup will undoubtedly be a hit with your guests. Enjoy the warmth and flavor in every spoonful!
