Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with this Spiced Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. It’s a perfect blend of warm spices and sweet autumn produce, ideal for those chilly evenings when you crave something comforting yet light.
Butternut squash provides a creamy base with its naturally sweet and nutty flavor. It’s the star of the show here. Apple, preferably a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp, adds a lovely hint of sweetness and complements the squash beautifully. Onion and garlic offer a savory depth to the soup, while olive oil is the perfect medium to sauté and bring out their flavors. Vegetable broth adds body and a savory backbone. Coconut milk gives the soup a creamy finish without the need for dairy. Finally, the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice infuses the soup with warm, autumnal spices that make your kitchen smell heavenly.
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For added texture, you might sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top. A side of roasted vegetables can also complement the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation for your soup.
Next, add the minced garlic. Stir it in and let it cook for just a minute until it becomes aromatic. Be careful not to let it burn—burned garlic can make the soup bitter.
Now, it's time to introduce the cubed butternut squash and chopped apple to the pot. Stir them well so they’re coated with the onion and garlic mixture. Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, along with some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Once the squash is soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it’s smooth and velvety. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches.
Stir in the coconut milk and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to meld all the flavors nicely. Serve it hot and enjoy the warming blend of spices and sweetness.