Portuguese-style Butternut Squash Soup

Portuguese-Style Butternut Squash Soup Recipe | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Portuguese-style Butternut Squash Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the fall and winter months. This soup is packed with flavor from the butternut squash, onions, garlic, and herbs. It is a hearty and nutritious meal that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Butternut squash soup has been a popular dish in Portugal for many years. It is often served as a starter or as a main course, especially during the colder months. The combination of butternut squash, onions, and garlic creates a rich and flavorful soup that is loved by many.

Ingredients

6 tbsp olive oil
3 onions, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 butternut squash, peeled
1 potato, peeled and cubed
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
7 cups chicken stock, or vegetable stock
salt and pepper, to taste
0.33 cup minced parsley
fresh thyme leaves

How to prepare

Pour the olive oil into a large soup pot and sauté the onions and garlic over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the onion-garlic mixture steam for 15 minutes.
Add the squash, potato, and carrot. Stir the mixture well. Pour in the stock and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
Add the seasoning and parsley. Stir well, cover the pot, and continue simmering for another 15 minutes.
Blend one third of the soup at a time in a blender or food processor. Return it to the original, but clean, pot. Reheat the soup over low heat, but do not let it come to a boil.
Serve hot and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top of each serving as garnish.

Variations

Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy and slightly sweet flavor.
Roast the butternut squash before adding it to the soup for a deeper flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions and garlic slowly to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Blending a portion of the soup helps to create a creamy texture without the need for cream.

- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley and thyme, for added flavor and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to develop.

- Blend the soup in batches to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use sweet potatoes or pumpkin in place of butternut squash.

- Use chicken or beef stock instead of vegetable stock for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a dollop of sour cream.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad, a glass of white wine, or a slice of crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Portuguese-style Butternut Squash Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Portuguese-style Butternut Squash Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Portuguese-style Butternut Squash Soup contains approximately 14 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Portuguese-style Butternut Squash Soup contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. However, it may contain allergens such as onions and garlic.

Summary

Portuguese-style Butternut Squash Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Portuguese-style Butternut Squash Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the fall and winter months. It is packed with flavor from the butternut squash, onions, garlic, and herbs, and is sure to warm you up on a cold day. Enjoy this comforting soup with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just come back from my weekly trip to the farmer's market. As I unpacked my bags, I noticed a flyer wedged between the apples and carrots. It was for a Portuguese cooking class being held at a local community center.

Intrigued, I decided to sign up. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to one of my favorite recipes of all time – Portuguese-style Butternut Squash Soup.

The cooking class was led by a kind elderly woman named Maria. She had a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye that immediately put me at ease. As she demonstrated how to make the soup, I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped vegetables, stirred pots, and added spices with a grace that can only come from years of experience.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Maria shared with us the story of how she learned to make this recipe. She told us that she had grown up in a small village in Portugal, where food was not just sustenance, but a way of life. Her mother had taught her how to cook from a young age, and she had spent countless hours in the kitchen with her, learning the ins and outs of traditional Portuguese cuisine.

One day, when Maria was just a young girl, her mother had taken her to a neighbor's house for a cooking lesson. The neighbor, an older woman named Rosa, was known throughout the village for her delicious soups and stews. She had graciously agreed to teach Maria and her mother how to make her famous Butternut Squash Soup.

As Rosa guided them through the recipe, Maria was struck by the simplicity and elegance of the dish. The combination of sweet butternut squash, savory onions, and fragrant spices created a harmony of flavors that danced on her tongue. She knew then and there that this soup would become a staple in her own kitchen for years to come.

After the cooking class was over, Maria generously shared the recipe with us. She explained each step in detail, from how to properly roast the squash to the importance of using fresh herbs and spices. She even gave us tips on how to adjust the seasoning to suit our own tastes.

When I got home that evening, I couldn't wait to try making the soup myself. I gathered the ingredients, rolled up my sleeves, and got to work. As the aromas of garlic, cumin, and coriander filled my kitchen, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and took a tentative sip. The flavors exploded on my palate – rich and velvety, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of warmth from the spices. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, Portuguese-style Butternut Squash Soup became a regular feature on my family's dinner table. I made it for special occasions, for cozy nights in by the fire, and whenever I wanted to feel connected to my roots.

As the years passed, I continued to tweak and refine the recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. But the essence of the dish remained the same – a humble yet comforting soup that brought people together and warmed their souls.

Now, as I pass down this recipe to my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that led me to Maria's cooking class all those years ago. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, a moment that sparked a lifelong passion for cooking and sharing delicious meals with the ones I love.

So if you ever find yourself craving a taste of Portugal, just whip up a batch of this Butternut Squash Soup. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it down to your own grandchildren, just like I did.