Creamy Butternut Squash Delight
Indulge in the warm, comforting embrace of this Creamy Butternut Squash Delight. A perfect blend of rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is an ideal choice for chilly days or cozy gatherings. With the natural sweetness of butternut squash balanced by savory spices, every spoonful promises to elevate your senses. You can also adjust the richness by using half the amount of cream cheese, making it versatile for all palates. Enjoy this soul-soothing soup as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal. This recipe is adapted from Allrecipes and serves 6.
6
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped onions
6 tablespoons (chopped)
margarine
4 tablespoons (melted)
butternut squash
6 cups (peeled and cubed)
water
3 cups (no preparation needed)
chicken bouillon cubes
4 cubes (no preparation needed)
dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
ground cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
cream cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (at room temperature)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the peeled and cubed butternut squash, followed by the water and chicken bouillon cubes. Add the dried marjoram, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to infuse the flavors.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the squash is soft and tender.
4
Carefully transfer the cooked squash mixture in batches into a blender or food processor. Add the cream cheese to the blender and puree until smooth and creamy.
5
Return the pureed soup to the saucepan. Heat through over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this could alter the texture of the soup.
6
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs, if desired.
Nutrition Information
14
Fat
40
Carbs
6
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Butternut Squash Delight?
It is a rich and soul-soothing soup that blends the natural sweetness of butternut squash with savory spices and cream cheese for a comforting meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include butternut squash, chopped onions, margarine, water, chicken bouillon cubes, cream cheese, and a blend of spices.
How much butternut squash do I need?
You will need 6 cups of butternut squash that has been peeled and cubed.
Can I make this soup less rich?
Yes, you can adjust the richness by using half the recommended amount of cream cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While the tags suggest it is vegetarian, the recipe uses chicken bouillon cubes. To make it strictly vegetarian, substitute the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon cubes.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
You should use 6 tablespoons of chopped onions and sauté them in margarine until they are golden brown and tender.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried marjoram, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
How long should the squash simmer?
The squash should simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it becomes soft and tender.
When do I add the cream cheese?
The cream cheese is added to the cooked squash mixture during the blending process to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
Should I boil the soup after adding the cream cheese?
No, you should avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream cheese as it could alter the texture; simply heat it through over low heat.
What is the recommended amount of cream cheese?
The recipe calls for 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese at room temperature.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 14 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup provides 6 grams of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What equipment is needed to make the soup smooth?
You can use either a blender or a food processor to puree the squash and cream cheese mixture.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, 4 tablespoons of butter can be used as a substitute for margarine for sautéing the onions.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a very subtle hint of heat from the 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but it is generally considered mild and savory.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.
How much water is required for the base?
The recipe requires 3 cups of water.
What are some suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the hot soup with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from Allrecipes.
How many bouillon cubes are used?
The recipe uses 4 chicken bouillon cubes.
Do I need to peel the squash first?
Yes, the squash should be peeled and cubed before being added to the saucepan.
How long does the entire preparation take?
Preparation takes approximately 5 minutes for sautéing onions and 20 minutes for simmering, plus blending time, totaling about 30-35 minutes.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is tagged as 'warm & cozy' and 'comfort food,' making it ideal for chilly days.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the heat setting for reheating the pureed soup?
The soup should be reheated over low heat while stirring occasionally.
Can I use an immersion blender?
While the instructions mention a blender or food processor, an immersion blender can also be used directly in the pot to puree the mixture with the cream cheese.