Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep days. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this soup is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a starter or a main course. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl on a chilly evening or a healthy option for lunch, this soup will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup can be made in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of coconut milk gives the soup a rich creaminess without the need for dairy.
• Flavorful and Aromatic: Ground cumin, cinnamon, and chili spices create a delightful flavor profile that elevates the soup.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze extras for easy meals later on.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A good-sized pot ensures all ingredients fit comfortably while allowing for even cooking.
• Immersion blender: This tool blends the soup directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup compared to transferring hot soup to a blender.

Ingredients

This butternut squash and sweet potato soup is a quick and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for any meal. Roasting the vegetables is optional but recommended for added depth of flavor.

For the Soup Base

• 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)

For Flavoring

• 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 chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes

For Cooking

• 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 Vegetables

Start by washing, peeling, and chopping all your vegetables into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add sliced onion and sauté until translucent. Then add minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add chopped butternut squash and sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine with aromatics.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in ground cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables in spices.

Step 5: Pour in Stock

Add vegetable or chicken stock (or water) into the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Cover the pot and cook until vegetables are tender (about 20 minutes).

Step 6: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer batches of the soup into it before blending.

Step 7: Stir in Coconut Milk

Once blended, return the soup to low heat. Stir in coconut milk until fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with reserved coconut milk if desired. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup!

How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you prefer it simple or with exciting toppings, here are some suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Pairing the soup with a warm, crusty bread creates a satisfying combination. The bread can be used for dipping or enjoying alongside the creamy soup.

Topped with Coconut Cream

• For a richer texture, drizzle some reserved coconut milk on top. This adds a lovely creaminess and enhances the dish’s tropical flavor.

With Fresh Herbs

• Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley not only brightens the soup but also adds a pop of color and freshness.

Alongside a Simple Salad

• A light green salad complements the soup perfectly. Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette for balance.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive dish that’s sure to delight your guests.

With Spicy Croutons

• Top with homemade croutons seasoned with chili flakes for an extra crunch and kick of flavor that contrasts nicely with the smooth soup.

How to Perfect Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

To ensure your Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Roast Your Vegetables: Roasting the squash and sweet potatoes beforehand enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust spices like cumin or cinnamon based on your preference for a personalized touch.
• Use Quality Stock: Opt for homemade or high-quality vegetable or chicken stock for richer taste in your soup.
• Blend Smoothly: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend thoroughly until completely smooth. Use an immersion blender for easy blending right in the pot.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze portions for easy meals later on.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishes like toasted seeds or nuts for added texture and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup while adding robust flavors.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing complements the sweet flavors of the soup while providing additional protein.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful stir-fry featuring seasonal vegetables adds crunch and freshness to balance the creamy texture of the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices make a hearty accompaniment that pairs well with this comforting soup.
5. Cheese Toasties: Grilled cheese sandwiches made with your favorite cheese create a classic pairing that adds indulgence to your meal.
6. Roasted Veggies: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings additional earthiness that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet potato and squash flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your soup can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you taste and adjust with salt and pepper during cooking.
• Ignoring vegetable size: Cutting vegetables into uneven sizes can affect cooking time. Chop them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Overcooking the garlic: Burning garlic can make your soup bitter. Add garlic later in the cooking process or sauté it gently.
• Not blending thoroughly: Leaving lumps in your soup can ruin its creamy texture. Blend until smooth for the best consistency.
• Using cold stock: Cold stock can lower the cooking temperature, extending cook time. Use warm stock to help maintain heat throughout cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before sealing containers.

Freezing Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes this Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup creamy?

The addition of full-fat coconut milk gives this soup its rich creaminess without dairy.

Can I use other vegetables in this soup?

Yes! Feel free to add carrots or parsnips for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I customize the spices in this soup?

You can adjust spices like cumin and chili powder according to your taste preferences. Experiment with fresh herbs too!

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep and freezes well.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that comes together quickly. It’s not only versatile but also allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try adding different spices or vegetables to make it your own!