How to Make French Butternut Squash Soup
French butternut squash soup is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. This creamy soup combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with fragrant herbs and spices, resulting in a flavorful meal that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. Follow this simple recipe to create your own delightful French butternut squash soup at home.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for additional flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by peeling and cubing your butternut squash. Remove the seeds and stringy insides. Chop the onion and dice the carrot, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot starts to soften.
Step 3: Cook the Butternut Squash
Once the aromatics are ready, add the cubed butternut squash to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients, then sprinkle in the dried thyme, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the butternut squash is fork-tender.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a traditional blender. Be cautious with hot liquids!
Step 6: Stir in Cream
After blending, return the soup to the pot (if using a traditional blender) and stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently over low heat, just until the soup is warmed through. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. You can also drizzle a bit of extra cream on top for a beautiful presentation. Serve warm with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect French Butternut Squash Soup
For an added depth of flavor, consider roasting the butternut squash before adding it to the soup. This enhances its natural sweetness and adds a delightful caramelized taste. Simply toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender.
This French butternut squash soup pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a cozy hot drink. Enjoy this heartwarming bowl of goodness any time of the year!