Creamy Butternut Squash and Potato Soup

This Creamy Butternut Squash and Potato Soup is the perfect dish for cooler months. The natural sweetness of the butternut squash pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the potatoes, creating a rich, satisfying bowl of comfort. With just a few simple ingredients, this soup is both easy to make and full of flavor, making it an ideal choice for a cozy lunch or dinner. The addition of heavy cream adds richness, while the fresh parsley garnish gives it a burst of color and freshness.

The combination of roasted butternut squash and potatoes makes this soup heartwarming and nourishing, while the smooth consistency is perfect for dipping crusty bread or pairing with a light salad. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special starter for your next gathering, this soup is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Texture

The blend of potatoes and butternut squash creates a smooth and velvety soup that’s indulgent yet comforting.

2. Naturally Sweet and Savory

The sweetness of the butternut squash balances perfectly with the earthiness of the potatoes, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

With just 40 minutes of total prep and cooking time, this soup is a great option for a fast, yet delicious, meal.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

This soup is versatile enough to serve as a starter for a dinner party or as a hearty lunch that satisfies.

5. Customizable

Feel free to add extra spices or herbs to make this soup your own. You can easily make it spicier with a dash of cayenne pepper or add a smoky flavor with some paprika.

Ingredients

• Potatoes (peeled and diced)
• Butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and diced)
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Vegetable broth
• Heavy cream
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Variations

• Vegan Option: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream to make the soup vegan-friendly.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
• Herb-Infused: Add thyme or rosemary while simmering for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add the diced potatoes, butternut squash, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 3: Purée the Soup

Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.

Step 4: Add Cream and Season

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thicker consistency, you can add more potatoes or squash.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Avoid Over-Blending: If you prefer some texture in your soup, blend it only for a short time, or pulse the immersion blender.
• Make It Thicker: To make the soup thicker, add extra potatoes or squash. You can also reduce the broth for a more concentrated flavor.
• Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time.

How to Serve

• With Crusty Bread: This soup pairs perfectly with a warm slice of crusty bread or a toasted baguette for dipping.
• Topped with Sour Cream: For added richness, top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• With a Side Salad: Serve this soup with a light green salad to balance the creamy texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick after reheating, add a little vegetable broth to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Add all ingredients except the cream and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Blend the soup and stir in the cream before serving.

3. Can I make this soup without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream to make the soup lighter or vegan.

4. How do I know when the vegetables are cooked?

The vegetables are cooked when they can easily be pierced with a fork. They should be soft but still intact, not mushy.

5. Can I use another type of squash?

Yes, you can use other types of squash such as acorn or kabocha squash, though they may alter the flavor slightly.

6. How can I make the soup spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup during the simmering process for some heat.

7. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, chicken broth can be substituted for vegetable broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian version of the soup.

8. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add other root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes to enhance the flavor of the soup.

9. Can I make this soup without a blender?

Yes, you can mash the vegetables with a potato masher if you prefer a chunkier texture instead of pureeing the soup.

10. How can I store leftover soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash and Potato Soup is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for cooler weather. With its smooth, velvety texture and naturally sweet flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this soup is the perfect option to enjoy with family and friends.

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