Butternut Squash and Apple Soup (Print version)

Velvety soup combining roasted squash and apples in 50 minutes. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and naturally sweet.

# Required ingredients:

→ Vegetables & Fruit

01 - 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 - 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

05 - 4 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
06 - 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice

→ Seasonings & Oils

07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
10 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

12 - 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional, for swirling)
13 - Toasted pumpkin seeds or fresh thyme (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
02 - Add the butternut squash and apples. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables and apples evenly.
04 - Pour in the vegetable broth and apple cider. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until squash and apples are very tender.
05 - Remove from heat. Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer in batches to a blender. Purée until smooth and creamy.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or fresh thyme, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The natural sweetness from the apples balances the earthy squash perfectly, no added sugar needed
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
  • Leftovers actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together
02 -
  • Blending hot soup requires extra caution, vent your blender and cover with a kitchen towel to prevent hot splatters
  • The soup will thicken as it cools, so if reheating leftovers add a splash more broth or water
  • Apples vary wildly in sweetness, so always taste before serving and adjust seasonings accordingly
03 -
  • Use an immersion blender if you have one, it is so much easier than transferring hot soup to a blender
  • If the soup seems too thick after blending, add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency
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