Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a creamy and flavorful experience that warms the soul. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, preparing a quick lunch, or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers versatility and satisfaction. Its standout feature is the option to roast the vegetables, which enhances the flavor profile and adds depth, making it a delightful addition to your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, this soup fits perfectly into busy schedules.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of coconut milk ensures a rich, creamy consistency without dairy.
• Flavorful Spices: A blend of cumin, cinnamon, and chili brings warmth and complexity to every spoonful.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and store it for later—this soup tastes just as good after freezing!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from butternut squash and sweet potatoes, this soup is both healthy and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start creating your Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Blender or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for combining all ingredients while ensuring ample space for cooking.
• Blender or immersion blender: Necessary for achieving that creamy texture by blending cooked vegetables into a smooth soup.

Ingredients

This butternut squash and sweet potato soup is a quick and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for any meal. Roasting the vegetables is optional but recommended for added depth of flavor.

For the Soup Base

• 1 small butternut squash (about 700-900g or 2-3 cups) (peeled and chopped)
• 2 sweet potatoes (about 275g or 2 cups) (peeled and chopped)
• 1 yellow onion (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400 ml tin full fat coconut milk (reserve 2 tablespoons for serving)

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes

For Liquid Base

• 750 ml vegetable or chicken stock or water

To Taste

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and chopping the butternut squash and sweet potatoes into small cubes. Slice the onion and peel the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add in the minced garlic cloves.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Stir in the butternut squash cubes and sweet potato pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Season Your Soup

Sprinkle in ground cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all vegetables are coated with spices.

Step 5: Add Liquid

Pour in vegetable or chicken stock (or water) until all ingredients are submerged. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes until all veggies are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Blend Until Smooth

Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend until smooth. Alternatively, transfer batches into a regular blender if you don’t have an immersion blender.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into bowls, drizzle with reserved coconut milk on top if desired, and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This creamy soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked sourdough or whole grain bread adds a delightful crunch and complements the soup’s creaminess.

Topped with Coconut Cream

• Drizzle some reserved coconut milk on top for an extra touch of richness and a beautiful presentation.

With Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives over the soup for a burst of freshness and color.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

• Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for added texture and flavor contrast.

With a Side Salad

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, making for a complete meal.

How to Perfect Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

To achieve the best version of this soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Roast Your Vegetables: Roasting the butternut squash and sweet potatoes before adding them to the pot enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.

• Blend Until Smooth: For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender or a high-speed blender to puree the soup completely.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. Adding more salt, pepper, or spices can elevate the flavors significantly.

• Use Quality Stock: Opt for homemade vegetable or chicken stock for richer flavor. Store-bought options can be high in sodium, so check labels carefully.

• Cool Before Storing: If you plan to freeze leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Pairing your soup with side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds protein and nutrients while balancing the soup’s carbs.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables provide a hearty complement to your meal.
4. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers add crunch and are great for snacking.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese sandwiches make a delicious pairing with this comforting soup.
6. Savory Muffins: Herb-infused savory muffins bring an interesting twist and are enjoyable alongside your bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that may affect the final result.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking the squash and sweet potatoes too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat once they are tender.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Flavor is key in this soup. Be generous with salt, pepper, and spices like cumin and chili powder to enhance the taste.
• Skipping the Roasting: Roasting adds depth to the flavors. If you have time, roast your vegetables before blending them for a richer taste.
• Using Low-Quality Stock: The stock is a major component of this soup. Use homemade or high-quality vegetable or chicken stock for the best flavor.
• Not Blending Smoothly: To achieve a creamy texture, blend thoroughly. If using a regular blender, allow steam to escape to avoid splattering.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• This soup lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup creamy?

The addition of full-fat coconut milk gives this soup its rich creaminess without dairy.

Can I customize the spices in Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices like cumin and chili powder based on your taste preferences.

How do I make this Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses coconut milk instead of dairy.

What can I serve with Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How long does Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup last in the fridge?

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when kept in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding different spices or garnishes. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!