Butternut Squash Soup

Brazilian Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Brazil | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Butternut squash soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the fall and winter months. This creamy soup is made with simple ingredients and is easy to prepare.

History

Butternut squash soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe found in many different cultures around the world. The soup is believed to have originated in North America, where butternut squash is a common ingredient in traditional Native American cuisine.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of olive oil
1 large onion, diced
675 g / 1.5 lb of butternut squash, peeled and diced
300 ml / 10 fl oz of milk
600 ml / 20 fl oz of strong vegetable stock (chicken stock can also be used)
salt and black pepper
freshly grated nutmeg

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the onion. Sauté over medium heat until softened, turning occasionally.
Add the squash and continue to sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning a couple of times.
Add the milk, stock, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a near boil. Reduce the heat, partially cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender or food processor. Process until smooth.
Return the mixture to the saucepan, add the nutmeg, and heat through. Serve hot.

Variations

You can add roasted garlic or roasted red peppers to the soup for extra flavor.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to peel and dice the butternut squash before adding it to the soup. This will help the squash cook evenly and ensure a smooth texture.

- For a richer flavor, you can roast the butternut squash in the oven before adding it to the soup.

- To make the soup vegan, you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and coconut milk instead of dairy milk.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the butternut squash soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the soup in a blender or food processor will give it a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk for a vegan version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, or a swirl of cream.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the butternut squash soup with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

30g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Butternut squash is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

Allergens: Dairy (milk)

Summary

This butternut squash soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

- Butternut squash soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the fall and winter months. This creamy soup is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup on a cold day for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Butternut Squash Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara in the countryside. Clara had always been an incredible cook, and I always looked forward to trying her delicious creations.

On that particular day, she told me she had a special recipe to share with me. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a weathered old cookbook that had been passed down through her family for generations. The pages were yellowed and stained, a testament to the many meals that had been lovingly prepared from its recipes.

Clara flipped through the pages until she came to a recipe for Butternut Squash Soup. She explained to me that this recipe had been handed down to her from her grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. The story behind the recipe intrigued me, and I was eager to learn how to make this comforting soup.

As Clara guided me through the steps of making the soup, I could see the passion and love she poured into each ingredient. She explained how the butternut squash should be roasted until it was caramelized and tender, imparting a rich and sweet flavor to the soup. She showed me how to sauté onions and garlic until they were fragrant and golden, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

I watched in awe as Clara blended the roasted squash, onions, and garlic together with warm chicken broth and a touch of cream. The soup transformed before my eyes, turning into a velvety smooth mixture that promised to warm the soul on a chilly autumn evening.

As we sat down to enjoy the soup together, I took my first spoonful and was transported to a place of comfort and contentment. The flavors were perfectly balanced, with the sweetness of the squash complemented by the savory notes of the onions and garlic. The cream added a luxurious richness that made each bite a delight to savor.

Clara smiled as she watched me enjoy the soup, knowing that she had passed on a piece of her family's culinary heritage to me. She told me that she hoped I would continue to make the soup for my own loved ones, sharing the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal.

From that day on, Butternut Squash Soup became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and cozy nights in with my husband. Each time I prepared the soup, I felt a connection to Clara and her family, as well as to the generations of cooks who had lovingly passed down this recipe.

Over the years, I have added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and herbs to create new variations of the soup. But no matter how I tweak the ingredients, the essence of the Butternut Squash Soup remains the same – a comforting and nourishing dish that brings people together around the table.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this wonderful recipe, I am grateful for the friendships and memories that have been forged over a simple bowl of soup. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share the joy of good food with those I hold dear.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will gather in my kitchen, eager to learn the secrets of Butternut Squash Soup. I will pass down the recipe with love and pride, knowing that it carries with it the stories and traditions of generations past.

And as they take their first spoonful of the soup, I hope they too will feel the sense of wonder and connection that I felt all those years ago when I first learned to make Butternut Squash Soup. Cooking is more than just following a recipe – it is a way to preserve the memories and traditions that make each meal a special experience.