Savory Butternut Squash Sage Delight
This Savory Butternut Squash Sage Delight is the perfect antidote for cool fall days. Inspired by a lovely discovery in a food magazine, this comforting soup brings together the earthy sweetness of fresh butternut squash with aromatic sage. The soup is not just easy to prepare, but it also bursts with flavor, making it an ideal way to showcase the bounty of your garden. Topped with crispy sage leaves, it creates a pleasing contrast in texture, ensuring each spoonful is both warm and satisfying. Enjoy this dish as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a wholesome meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons
butternut squash
2 units (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks)
fresh sage
2 tablespoons (chopped plus additional leaves for garnish)
chicken broth or vegetable broth
4 cups
kosher salt
to taste
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
vegetable oil
for frying
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3
Stir in the butternut squash chunks and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Mix in the chopped fresh sage and pour in the broth; bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer until the squash is very tender, approximately 30 minutes.
6
Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, work in small batches in a blender, allowing steam to escape.
7
Season the soup with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring well.
8
In a small skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
9
Add a few sage leaves to the hot oil, frying them for about 30 seconds or until they are crisp. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
10
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with 2 to 3 crispy sage leaves on top for an elegant presentation. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Butternut Squash Sage Delight?
It is a comforting, easy-to-prepare fall soup that combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with aromatic sage.
How do I prepare the butternut squash for this recipe?
The butternut squash should be peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks before cooking.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 8 to 10 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
What kind of broth is recommended for this soup?
You can use either 4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the squash is very tender.
What is the best way to puree the soup?
An immersion blender is recommended for a smooth, velvety consistency. If using a standard blender, work in small batches and allow steam to escape.
How do I make the crispy sage garnish?
Fry sage leaves in about 1/2 inch of hot vegetable oil for 30 seconds until crisp, then drain on paper towels.
How much olive oil is needed for the base?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil to start the soup base.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is tagged as vegetarian, provided you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What size should the squash chunks be?
The squash should be cut into 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
How many butternut squashes are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 units of butternut squash.
When should I add the fresh sage?
Add the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh sage after the squash has cooked for 5 minutes and before pouring in the broth.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The soup is seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Can I serve this with anything else?
Yes, it pairs perfectly with crusty bread for a more wholesome meal.
What type of oil is used for frying the sage?
Vegetable oil is used for frying the sage leaves until they are crispy.
How many sage leaves should be used for garnish?
It is recommended to garnish each bowl with 2 to 3 crispy sage leaves.
Is this soup considered a healthy option?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and simple, making it a great nutritious choice.
What is the first step of the recipe?
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it is shimmering.
Does the recipe require a specific type of salt?
The recipe suggests using kosher salt for seasoning.
How do I know when the sage is done frying?
The sage leaves should be fried for about 30 seconds until they become crisp.
Should the broth be brought to a boil?
Yes, bring the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing the heat to a simmer.
What is the texture of the final soup?
The soup has a smooth and velvety consistency once pureed.
How long should the squash cook before adding broth?
The squash chunks should be sautéed for 5 minutes before adding the sage and broth.
Is this a good recipe for using garden produce?
Yes, it is specifically described as an ideal way to showcase the bounty of your garden.
What should I do if I don't have an immersion blender?
You can use a standard blender; just be sure to work in small batches and let steam escape safely.
Does this recipe have high protein?
No, this recipe is tagged as 'low protein'.
What inspired this butternut squash soup?
The recipe was inspired by a discovery in a food magazine.
How much chopped sage is used in the soup?
Two tablespoons of chopped fresh sage are mixed into the soup base.
Can this soup be served as a starter?
Yes, it can be enjoyed as a starter or as a main meal with bread.
What heat setting is used for frying the sage leaves?
The vegetable oil should be heated over medium-high heat for frying the leaves.