Squash Soup Easy Weeknight
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This delightful squash soup is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, offering a warm and comforting flavor that's sure to satisfy.
Squash soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it's the ideal dish for cooler evenings. This easy weeknight version ensures you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture that warms you up on chilly nights
- Naturally sweet flavor from fresh squash
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings
A Perfect Weeknight Solution
When you're short on time but still crave something nutritious and delicious, this squash soup is your answer. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a hearty meal that the whole family will love. It's a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal produce into your diet, making it not only tasty but also a healthy choice.
This recipe is designed for those busy weeknights when cooking feels like a chore. It comes together quickly, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Plus, the leftovers can be easily reheated for lunch the next day, making it an even more efficient meal prep option.
Flavorful and Nourishing
The combination of butternut squash, onion, and garlic creates a rich base that is both comforting and satisfying. Butternut squash is naturally sweet, which means you don’t need to add much sugar or sweetener to achieve a delightful flavor. Instead, the soup's sweetness shines through, complemented by the savory notes of sautéed garlic and onion.
Coconut milk adds a creamy texture that enhances the soup's mouthfeel while also contributing to its rich flavor. This velvety finish makes each spoonful a warming experience, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to curl up with a bowl of something cozy.
Versatile for Any Occasion
Whether you're serving this soup as a starter for a dinner party or as a main course for your family, it fits seamlessly into any occasion. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also easily customize the soup by adding spices like cumin or curry powder for an extra kick.
This squash soup is also a great foundation for creativity in the kitchen. Feel free to experiment with different types of squash or add in your favorite vegetables for variety. It's a wonderful canvas for your culinary imagination, ensuring that you won’t tire of this easy weeknight dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Add the Squash
Add the diced butternut squash to the pot and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes.
Pour in the Broth
Add the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer to a regular blender in batches.
Add Coconut Milk
Stir in the coconut milk, season with salt and pepper to taste, and heat through before serving.
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Storage Tips
This squash soup stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in individual portions. Just be sure to leave some space in the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. A quick stir and a splash of coconut milk can refresh the flavors, ensuring that every bowl tastes as good as the first.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your squash soup experience, consider garnishing it with roasted pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. A drizzle of balsamic reduction or a swirl of additional coconut milk can also add a beautiful aesthetic and enhance the flavor profile.
For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple green salad. The contrasting textures and flavors create a well-rounded dining experience that is both satisfying and enjoyable.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen squash?
Yes, frozen squash will work, just adjust cooking time as needed.
→ Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan with the use of vegetable broth and coconut milk.
→ How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the soup while cooking.
→ Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Squash Soup Easy Weeknight
This delightful squash soup is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, offering a warm and comforting flavor that's sure to satisfy.
Created by: Ella Townsend
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Add the diced butternut squash to the pot and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer to a regular blender in batches.
Stir in the coconut milk, season with salt and pepper to taste, and heat through before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 3g