This Butternut Harvest Soup is like a cozy sweater in a bowl, perfect for when the air gets crisp and the leaves start falling. It’s creamy, lightly spiced, and will warm you right up from the inside out.
Butternut squash is the star, providing a natural sweetness and velvety texture when puréed. It's what gives this soup its distinctive autumnal flavor.
Onion and garlic create a savory base, adding depth and richness to every spoonful.
Chicken or vegetable broth serves as the soup's backbone, infusing every bite with flavor and ensuring the squash cooks evenly.
Heavy cream adds a silky smoothness, transforming the soup into something really indulgent.
Olive oil and butter are used to sauté the vegetables, lending a richer flavor to the base.
Ground nutmeg adds a hint of warm spice that complements the sweetness of the squash.
This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. For a heartier meal, consider topping it with crispy bacon bits or roasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and started to bubble, add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about five minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.
Next, toss in the garlic and let it cook for just a minute. You'll know it's ready when the kitchen fills with that inviting aroma.
Now, stir in the diced butternut squash, ensuring every piece is coated with the onion and garlic mixture. This step ensures the squash absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer. You’re looking for the squash to become tender, which typically takes about 20 minutes.
Once the squash is tender, grab your immersion blender and purée the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
Stir in the heavy cream and nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving.