Spicy Squash Soup Recipe
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up with this delicious and comforting spicy squash soup, perfect for chilly evenings.
This spicy squash soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. With a hint of spice and the sweetness of squash, it's a perfect dish for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
- Creamy texture without the use of heavy cream
- Nutrient-rich and satisfying for any meal
The Perfect Fall Comfort Food
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to soothe the soul. This Spicy Squash Soup is not just a dish; it's an experience that captures the essence of fall. Butternut squash, with its natural sweetness, pairs beautifully with a medley of spices that warm you from the inside out. Whether you're enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this soup is a delightful way to embrace the season.
Packed with nutrients, this soup is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, making it a fantastic choice for boosting your immune system during colder months. The addition of garlic and onion not only enhances the flavor but also adds their own health benefits, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
A Versatile Recipe for Any Occasion
This Spicy Squash Soup is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Serve it as a starter at your next dinner party, or enjoy it as a main course paired with crusty bread. You can even prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week. Its flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Feel free to customize the spice level to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the chili powder, or if you like a kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper. This adaptability ensures that you can make this recipe your own, catering to different palates and preferences.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by peeling and cubing the butternut squash. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Sauté the Base
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook the Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to coat the squash with the spices.
Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
Blend and Season
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Enjoy your homemade spicy squash soup with crusty bread for a complete meal!
Nutritional Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse, providing a significant amount of fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Its natural sweetness comes from complex carbohydrates, making it a great energy source that won't lead to a sugar crash. Furthermore, the antioxidants found in squash help fight free radicals in the body, promoting overall health and wellness.
In addition to fiber, butternut squash is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Including more butternut squash in your diet can support your body's defenses, particularly during the cold and flu season.
Enhancing Your Soup Experience
To elevate your soup experience, consider adding toppings that complement the flavors of the Spicy Squash Soup. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream can add creaminess and a tangy contrast, while toasted pumpkin seeds provide a satisfying crunch. A drizzle of balsamic reduction or olive oil can also enhance the dish's flavor profile, making it more gourmet.
Pair your soup with a fresh salad or a slice of hearty bread to create a balanced meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can add a refreshing bite that complements the richness of the soup beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of squash?
Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn or pumpkin.
→ Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan, made with vegetable broth.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ How can I make it spicier?
You can add more chili powder or a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
Spicy Squash Soup Recipe
Warm up with this delicious and comforting spicy squash soup, perfect for chilly evenings.
Created by: Anya Coleman
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How-To Steps
Begin by peeling and cubing the butternut squash. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the cubed butternut squash, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to coat the squash with the spices.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 4g