Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is your go-to dish for a quick, healthy meal ready in just 30 minutes. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this soup makes a delightful addition to any lunch or dinner. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or as part of a festive gathering, this soup will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The use of coconut milk gives the soup a rich creaminess without dairy.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from butternut squash and sweet potatoes, it’s a healthy option.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for later use; it reheats beautifully.
• Versatile Seasoning: Customize the spices to suit your taste, whether you prefer mild or spicy.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Blender or immersion blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking large batches of soup while allowing ample space for stirring.
• Blender or immersion blender: Provides a smooth texture by pureeing the soup easily.

Ingredients

For this Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Vegetables

• 1 small butternut squash (about 700-900g or 2-3 cups) (peeled and chopped)
• 2 sweet potatoes (about 275g or 2 cups) (peeled and chopped)
• 1 yellow onion (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (peeled)

Other Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400 ml tin full fat coconut milk (reserve 2 tablespoons for serving)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
• 750 ml vegetable or chicken stock or water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by peeling and chopping the butternut squash and sweet potatoes into small cubes. Slice the onion thinly and peel the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the sliced onion and garlic. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Squash and Sweet Potatoes

Stir in the chopped butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Spices and Liquid

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, cinnamon, chilli powder, and chilli flakes. Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Once cooked, remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer batches to a blender if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, drizzling some reserved coconut milk on top for garnish.

Enjoy your Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup!

How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This creamy butternut squash and sweet potato soup is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped cilantro or parsley: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness.
• Chives: Thinly sliced chives bring a mild onion flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

With Crunchy Toppings

• Toasted pumpkin seeds: These add a nutty crunch and elevate the texture of the soup.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons provide an extra layer of crunch that contrasts with the soup’s creaminess.

With a Drizzle

• Coconut milk: A swirl of reserved coconut milk adds creaminess and enhances the coconut flavor.
• Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze offers a sweet tang that balances out the soup’s natural sweetness.

With Bread

• Crusty bread or rolls: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up every last drop.
• Garlic bread: The rich flavors of garlic bread pair wonderfully with this comforting soup.

How to Perfect Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Creating the perfect butternut squash and sweet potato soup is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time.

• Roast your vegetables: Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and sweet potatoes, adding depth to your soup.
• Blend until smooth: For a creamy texture, blend the mixture until completely smooth. An immersion blender works great for this.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go. Adding salt, pepper, or spices gradually helps achieve the perfect flavor balance.
• Use quality broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality vegetable or chicken stock to enrich the overall taste of your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your butternut squash and sweet potato soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options.

1. Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and crunch to complement the creamy soup.
2. Quinoa Salad: Tossed with veggies, nuts, or dried fruits, quinoa salad adds protein and texture that pairs well with the soup.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with grains or legumes, these provide a hearty addition that nicely contrasts with the smoothness of the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and flavor while echoing the ingredients in your soup.
5. Savory Scones or Biscuits: These baked goods offer a warm, buttery element that pairs beautifully with any bowl of soup.
6. Chickpea Fritters: Crispy fritters add protein and a satisfying crunch alongside your creamy dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are mistakes you should avoid for the best results.

• Using unpeeled squash: Not peeling the butternut squash can result in a bitter taste. Always peel before chopping to keep flavors balanced.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long can lead to mushiness. Aim for tender but not falling apart; about 15-20 minutes of cooking should suffice.
• Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning adequately can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference.
• Ignoring texture: Blending without considering texture can lead to a soup that’s too chunky or too smooth. Pulse blend until you reach your desired consistency.
• Neglecting optional roasting: Roasting your butternut squash and sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness. If time allows, consider roasting them before adding to the soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 5-7 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup.

Can I use other vegetables in this soup?

Yes! Feel free to add carrots, parsnips, or even kale for extra nutrition.

How do I make this soup spicier?

To spice it up, increase the chili powder or add fresh jalapeños while cooking.

Is this soup vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant-based when using vegetable stock.

How can I customize my Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup?

You can customize it by adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary or by blending in some cooked lentils for added protein.

What should I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various spices or vegetables based on your preference. It’s perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a cozy gathering. Give this recipe a try today!