As the leaves start to turn and the air gets that crisp, refreshing bite, I find myself gravitating towards cozy fall meals that warm not just my belly, but my heart too. There’s something utterly delightful about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing bowls of rich, comforting soup on chilly evenings. This butternut squash soup is one of my absolute favorites, and trust me, it’s as easy to make as it is delicious! With simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a warm meal that feels like a big hug.

This recipe is all about embracing the flavors of fall, and it’s perfect for those days when you just want to feel cozy and content. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use seasonal veggies! So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking something that makes the home smell amazing and tastes even better!

Ingredients List

• 2 cups of butternut squash – peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces. This sweet and nutty squash is the star of our soup!
• 1 cup of carrots – sliced. They add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• 1 onion – chopped. A good onion brings out the flavors beautifully, so don’t skip this step!
• 2 cloves of garlic – minced. Garlic adds that wonderful aromatic kick that makes everything better.
• 4 cups of vegetable broth – this is your soup’s base. You can use store-bought or homemade if you have it on hand.
• 1 teaspoon of thyme – dried or fresh, this herb complements the squash perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon of salt – it helps to enhance all the flavors, so be sure to include this!
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper – for a little warmth and depth of flavor.
• 1 cup of heavy cream – or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This gives the soup a rich, creamy texture.

How to Prepare Instructions

1. First things first, let’s get your pot ready! In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. This will help to sauté our onions and garlic.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally so they don’t burn—no one wants that!
3. Now, it’s time to add the star ingredients! Toss in the diced butternut squash and sliced carrots. Stir everything together for about 3 minutes. This helps to mix the flavors.
4. Next, pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, and add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything well.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender, so feel free to check on them occasionally.
6. After 20 minutes, it’s blending time! If you have an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until it’s nice and smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, be careful—blend in batches and let it cool slightly to avoid any splatters!
7. Once blended, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to combine.
8. And voila! Your cozy butternut squash soup is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls while it’s warm, and if you’d like, garnish with fresh herbs for a lovely touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious fall meal ready in no time!
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of butternut squash and carrots creates a sweet, rich flavor that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Seasonal Ingredients: This recipe lets you take advantage of fresh, seasonal vegetables, making it a great way to enjoy what fall has to offer.
• Easy to Modify: You can easily substitute any veggies you have on hand, making it a flexible option for your pantry.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals later—perfect for busy days!
• Perfect for All Diets: With a simple swap for coconut milk, this soup can easily be made dairy-free, accommodating various dietary needs.

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to dive into making this delicious butternut squash soup, here are some handy tips to ensure everything goes smoothly and turns out just right!

• Knife Safety: When peeling and dicing your butternut squash and carrots, make sure to use a sharp knife. A dull knife can slip and cause accidents. Take your time, and keep your fingers tucked away from the blade!
• Watch the Heat: When sautéing the onions and garlic, keep an eye on the heat. If it’s too high, they can burn quickly. Medium heat is your friend here—just enough to soften without turning brown.
• Blending Caution: If you’re using a regular blender instead of an immersion blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending. This prevents any hot splatters that can happen if you blend it right away! Blend in small batches to be safe.
• Adjust Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste the soup as it cooks! If you feel it needs a little more salt or pepper, go ahead and adjust it to your liking. Your palate knows best!
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, you probably will because it’s so good!), let the soup cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. This helps maintain its lovely flavors and texture.
• Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream on top just before serving can elevate the presentation. It’s those little touches that make a meal feel special!

With these tips in your back pocket, I know you’ll create a cozy fall meal that’s not just tasty but also a joy to make. Happy cooking!

Variations

One of the best things about this butternut squash soup is its flexibility! You can easily change it up to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some delicious ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

• Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to substitute the butternut squash with sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a different flavor profile. Carrots can be swapped out for parsnips or even sweet bell peppers!
• Add Greens: For a nutritional boost, stir in some fresh spinach or kale just before serving. They’ll wilt beautifully and add a lovely pop of color!
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while the soup simmers. It’ll give your soup a warm kick that’s perfect for chilly nights.
• Herb Infusions: Experiment with different herbs! Rosemary or sage can add a fragrant twist. Just remember to add them early on so their flavors can develop.
• Dairy-Free Delight: To keep this soup dairy-free, simply use coconut milk as noted in the ingredients list. It gives a lovely creamy texture without the dairy. You can also try almond milk or cashew cream for a different flavor!
• Nutty Flavor: For a rich, nutty taste, consider adding a tablespoon of tahini or a handful of roasted nuts, like cashews, to the blender for an extra layer of flavor.

With these variations, you can make this cozy fall meal your own, ensuring it’s not just delicious but also perfectly tailored to your taste. So don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen—each bowl can be a new adventure!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, if you find yourself with leftovers (which is a delightful problem to have!), storing this butternut squash soup properly is key to keeping its wonderful flavors and creamy texture intact. Here’s how to do it:

• Cool Down: First, let the soup cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation in the container, which can lead to sogginess.
• Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. Glass containers work great because they’re easy to clean and keep the soup fresh. Just be sure to leave a little space at the top, as liquids can expand when frozen.
• Refrigeration: If you plan to enjoy the leftovers within a few days, simply store them in the fridge where they’ll last for about 4–5 days. Just remember to label your containers with the date so you know when you made it!
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be cautious—don’t let it get too hot too quickly!

When it comes time to reheat your soup, you have a couple of options:

• Stovetop Reheating: This is my favorite method! Pour the desired amount of soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method keeps the texture just right!
• Microwave Reheating: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this cozy fall meal any time you crave it. There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup waiting for you at the end of a long day!

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of our cozy fall meal is important, especially if you’re mindful of your dietary choices. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect in each serving of this comforting butternut squash soup. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 4g

This soup not only brings warmth and comfort but also packs a nutritious punch with its wholesome ingredients. Enjoy every spoonful knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and nourishing!

FAQ Section

Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! This butternut squash soup is incredibly flexible. You can substitute the butternut squash with sweet potatoes, carrots with parsnips, or even add in some cauliflower or bell peppers. Feel free to use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand—it will still turn out delicious!

Is this soup really vegan?
Yes, it can be! By using coconut milk instead of heavy cream, you can easily make this soup vegan-friendly. Just make sure your vegetable broth is also plant-based, and you’re all set for a cozy vegan fall meal!

How do I know if the soup is done cooking?
You’ll know the soup is ready when the butternut squash and carrots are tender, which takes about 20 minutes of simmering. You can easily test this by poking a piece with a fork; it should go through without much resistance. After that, blending it smooth will create that lovely texture!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Definitely! This butternut squash soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to let it cool completely before putting it in an airtight container. It also freezes well, so you can enjoy it later on those busy days!

What should I serve with this soup?
This cozy fall meal pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even some grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping. It’s a comforting combination that makes for a delightful and satisfying meal!

Delightful Fall Meals: 7 Cozy Recipes to Warm Your Heart

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A cozy fall meal perfect for chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups of butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 cup of carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 cup of heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Add the butternut squash and carrots. Stir for a few minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in the cream or coconut milk. Heat through.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• This soup freezes well; portion it out for easy meals later.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: fall meals, comfort food, easy recipes