butternut squash soup recipe

When you think about comfort food for chilly days, butternut squash soup with chili crème fraîche often comes to mind. This dish seamlessly blends the sweet, earthy flavors of roasted squash with a spicy kick from the crème fraîche, creating a balance that's hard to resist. You might be curious about how this recipe has evolved over time or what unique twists you can add to make it your own. Understanding its origins and nuances can transform your cooking experience, and there's much more to explore about its preparation and presentation.

Key Takeaways

  • Butternut squash soup is rich in vitamins A and C, making it a nutritious comfort food for fall and winter.
  • The soup combines roasted butternut squash with sautéed onions and garlic for enhanced flavor and aroma.
  • Chilli crème fraîche adds a creamy, spicy topping that elevates the soup's taste profile.
  • Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs, and pair with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to three days or frozen for two months, maintaining freshness.

History

chronicles of past events

Butternut squash soup has roots in Native American culinary traditions, where this versatile squash was a staple alongside other squashes and pumpkins.

Over time, the soup evolved, incorporating influences from Mexican cuisine, particularly with the addition of chili peppers that enhance its flavor. This blend of cultures showcases how food transforms through shared culinary traditions.

In European cooking, crème fraîche became a popular ingredient, adding creaminess and a tangy twist to the comforting dish.

Today, butternut squash soup is a beloved comfort food, especially during the seasonal fall and winter months. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers health benefits, as the squash is packed with vitamins, while chili provides metabolic boosts and crème fraîche contributes calcium.

Recipe

cooking instructions for dish

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a delightful dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the warmth of chili and the creaminess of crème fraîche. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly weather and isn't only easy to make but also packs a nutritional punch, making it a great choice for a cozy dinner or a starter for a gathering.

The blend of flavors created by the sautéed onions, garlic, and chili elevates this soup to a new level of deliciousness.

Preparing this soup is a straightforward process that involves roasting the squash to develop its flavors and then blending it with stock and crème fraîche for a smooth texture. You can adjust the consistency to your liking, whether you prefer it thicker or creamier.

The finishing touches of a swirl of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of chopped chili not only enhance the flavor but also add an appealing visual element to the dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 butternut squash (about 1 kg), peeled and cut into 4cm cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 chili peppers, chopped (adjust based on spice preference)
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 200ml crème fraîche
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra chili and crème fraîche for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 200C (400F). Toss the butternut squash cubes in olive oil, then spread them out on a baking tray and roast for about 30 minutes, or until they're soft and golden.

While the squash is roasting, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they're translucent. Add the chopped chili and cook for an additional minute.

Once the squash is done roasting, add it to the pot along with the stock and bring to a simmer. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree until smooth. Stir in the crème fraîche and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Warm the soup gently before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an added depth of flavor, consider roasting the onions and garlic alongside the butternut squash.

You can also experiment with different types of stock, such as bone broth, for a richer taste. If you like a bit of texture, reserve some of the roasted squash cubes to stir back into the soup before serving.

Lastly, don't hesitate to adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of chili used or opting for a milder variety. Enjoy your homemade butternut squash soup!

Cooking Steps

cooking step by step

To get started on your butternut squash soup, you'll peel and chop the squash into cubes for roasting.

While that's happening, sauté onions until they're soft and translucent, then add garlic and spices to build flavor.

Finally, you'll simmer everything with vegetable broth before blending it all until smooth.

Step 1. Peel and Chop Butternut Squash

peel and chop squash

Start by selecting a ripe butternut squash with firm skin and no soft spots for the best flavor.

Use a sharp knife to slice off both ends, creating a stable base for peeling.

Grab a vegetable peeler and carefully remove the skin, working from top to bottom since it can be tough.

Once peeled, cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

Now, chop the flesh into 4cm cubes for even roasting. This will ensure a creamy texture when you blend it later for your soup.

Remember to keep your fingers tucked in while chopping for safety.

You'll be ready to add garlic and stock to achieve a deliciously comforting butternut squash soup.

Step 2. Sauté Onions Until Translucent

saut onions until translucent

Heat a combination of butter and olive oil in a large pot over low heat to create a rich base for your soup.

Add your chopped onions and sauté them gently, stirring occasionally. This cooking process typically takes about 15-20 minutes, allowing the onions to soften without browning.

As they cook, sprinkle in a pinch of salt; this helps draw out moisture and promotes even tenderness. Your goal is to achieve a soft, glossy texture, indicating the onions are translucent and ready to be combined with the other ingredients.

This step is crucial for enhancing the natural sweetness of the onions, which will contribute to the overall flavor of your creamy soup.

Step 3. Add Garlic and Spices

add garlic and spices

As the onions become translucent and fragrant, you're ready to elevate the flavors by adding minced garlic and spices. Sauté the garlic alongside the onions for about 2 minutes, allowing its aroma to fill the kitchen.

Then, incorporate three-quarters of the deseeded and finely chopped red chillies to introduce a gentle heat. This combination forms a flavorful base for your butternut squash soup.

Once everything's softened and aromatic, it's time to blend. Combine the sautéed mixture with the roasted butternut squash using a stick blender or regular blender, achieving a smooth and creamy consistency.

Adjust the spice levels to your liking, and consider adding herbs or spices like cumin or nutmeg to enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Step 4. Simmer With Vegetable Broth

simmer using vegetable broth

To create a rich and flavorful butternut squash soup, add approximately 600ml of vegetable broth to the sautéed onion, garlic, and chili mixture. This step enhances the soup's flavor profile beautifully.

Once combined, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting all the flavors meld together for about 10-15 minutes. Before adding it to the broth, ensure your roasted butternut squash is tender; this will help achieve that desired creamy texture.

As the soup simmers, the broth will absorb the delicious notes from the sautéed vegetables and spices. Finally, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure a balanced flavor.

Your butternut squash soup is well on its way to perfection!

Step 5. Blend Until Smooth

blend ingredients until smooth

Once your soup has simmered and the flavors have melded beautifully, it's time to blend everything until smooth.

Start by adding the roasted butternut squash and sautéed mixture to the pot, then pour in the stock and crème fraîche to achieve a creamy consistency.

Grab your stick blender and blend until smooth, ensuring a velvety texture without any chunks of squash.

If you prefer a super-smooth finish, transfer the mixture to a liquidiser, allowing it to cool slightly to prevent splattering.

Once blended, check the soup's consistency and adjust seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.

Drizzle in any remaining oil for added richness before serving your Butternut Squash Soup.

Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

concluding reflections and insights

While enjoying a warm bowl of butternut squash soup, you can savor not only its comforting flavors but also its nutritional benefits.

This nutrient-rich soup, packed with vitamins A and C, offers a creamy texture that's enhanced by the addition of crème fraîche. You can easily customize the heat with chillies, making it perfect for your taste.

Using fresh ingredients like roasted butternut squash and sautéed onions elevates the dish even further.

Plus, you can store leftovers in airtight containers, keeping them fresh in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for two months.

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