Creamy Butternut Squash and Leek Soup
This velvety butternut squash and leek soup is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect dish for cozy weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. The nutty sweetness of roasted butternut squash pairs harmoniously with the aromatic, mild flavor of sautéed leeks. While adapting a beloved recipe from Cooking Light, I discovered the unique touch of incorporating roasted garlic for a depth of flavor. My version came out with a hint of green and a more pronounced onion flavor, but it still captivated with its comforting essence. I would love to hear your thoughts and any adjustments you may have made for a smoother rendition!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
1 head (Roasted)
Olive oil
4 teaspoons (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Leeks
4 cups (Thinly sliced (about 2 large, white & light green parts only))
Butternut squash
4 cups (Peeled & cubed (1 large or 2 medium))
Water
2 cups (None)
Chicken broth
2 cups (None)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Butternut Squash and Leek Soup?
It is a velvety soup that blends the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash with the mild, aromatic taste of sautéed leeks.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The primary ingredients include butternut squash, leeks, roasted garlic, chicken broth, water, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How is the garlic prepared for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for one head of garlic that has been roasted to add a deep, complex flavor.
What part of the leeks should I use?
You should use the white and light green parts of the leeks, thinly sliced, which equals about 4 cups or 2 large leeks.
How much butternut squash is required?
You will need 4 cups of peeled and cubed butternut squash, which is roughly one large or two medium-sized squash.
Is this soup recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, vegetable-based soup that uses olive oil and fresh vegetables.
Can I make this soup vegan?
While the recipe calls for chicken broth, you can easily make it vegan by substituting it with vegetable broth.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe, making it suitable for quick weeknight dinners.
What is the flavor profile of the soup?
The soup features a harmony of sweet flavors from the squash and savory, onion-like notes from the leeks and roasted garlic.
How much liquid is used in the soup?
The recipe uses a total of 4 cups of liquid: 2 cups of water and 2 cups of chicken broth.
Does this soup contain dairy?
Based on the ingredients list, this soup does not contain cream or butter; its creaminess comes from the blended vegetables.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The recipe is seasoned simply with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This version is an adaptation of a recipe from Cooking Light, modified to include roasted garlic.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup is intended to be velvety and creamy.
Can I use this recipe for a formal event?
Yes, the recipe description notes that it is suitable for both cozy weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 4 teaspoons of olive oil.
Is this a seasonal dish?
It is tagged with 'fall flavors,' making it an ideal choice for the autumn season.
How many ingredients are in the soup?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I customize the flavor?
Yes, the author encourages adjustments to achieve a smoother rendition or more pronounced flavors.
Is the soup naturally gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth label to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
The squash should be peeled and cubed into manageable pieces before cooking.
Does the soup have a strong onion taste?
The author notes their version has a more pronounced onion flavor due to the amount of leeks used.
Why is roasted garlic used instead of raw?
Roasted garlic provides a much deeper, mellow, and sweeter flavor compared to the sharp bite of raw garlic.
What tags apply to this recipe?
Tags include soup, vegetable soup, butternut squash, leeks, creamy soup, easy recipe, healthy, comfort food, and fall flavors.
Can I make this soup in advance?
While not explicitly stated, butternut squash soups typically store well in the refrigerator and the flavors often improve overnight.
What color is the soup?
The author mentioned that their version came out with a hint of green, likely due to the light green parts of the leeks.
Is this soup good for comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as a comforting essence and tagged as comfort food.
Are there any tips for a smoother soup?
The author asks for community feedback on how to make the rendition smoother, implying that thorough blending is key.
Can I use different types of squash?
While the recipe specifies butternut squash, you could experiment with other winter squashes like acorn or kabocha.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.