Smoky Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Herbed Croutons
Indulge in the rich, velvety texture and the sweet, earthy flavor of this delightful Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Infused with hints of smokiness from homemade or quality smoked chicken stock, this soup provides a deliciously comforting bowl that warms the soul. Enhanced with aromatic garlic and the subtle heat of Cajun seasoning, this culinary masterpiece is balanced with fresh thyme and parsley for a burst of freshness. Topped with crisp, golden herbed croutons, this soup makes for a perfect appetizer or a cozy main dish for chilly evenings.
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut Squash
1 (halved and seeds removed)
Sweet Onion
1 large (diced)
Butter
1 tablespoon (unsalted)
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Garlic Cloves
4 (minced)
Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock
4 cups (homemade or quality store-bought)
Cajun Seasoning
2 teaspoons (or more to taste)
Fresh Thyme
2-4 teaspoons (or 2 teaspoons dried)
Fresh Parsley
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Salt and Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Sour Cream
1/2 cup (optional, for creaminess)
Bread
4-5 slices (cut into cubes)
Garlic Oil
5 tablespoons (for tossing croutons)
Dried Herbs
1 tablespoon (Italian seasoning or similar)
Salt and Pepper
1 dash (for croutons)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the butternut squash in half from top to bottom and scoop out the seeds from both halves with a spoon.
2
Place the squash cut-side down on a lined baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3
While the squash is roasting, heat the butter and vegetable oil in a large pot over low heat. Add the diced sweet onion and sauté gently until it becomes soft and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
4
Once the onions are cooked, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5
Remove the roasted squash from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and transfer it to the pot with the onions and garlic.
6
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the Cajun seasoning, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors. For a creamy texture, stir in the sour cream (if using) and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or by carefully transferring the soup in batches to a countertop blender.
8
While the soup simmers, prepare the croutons. Toss the bread cubes in a large bowl with the garlic oil, dried herbs, and a dash of salt and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
9
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped green onion and a generous handful of the crispy herbed croutons.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
40g
Carbs
6g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Smoky Roasted Butternut Squash Soup?
The soup features a rich, velvety texture with sweet and earthy flavors, enhanced by smokiness from the stock and a subtle heat from Cajun seasoning.
How long does it take to roast the butternut squash?
The butternut squash should be roasted at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until the flesh is tender.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for both roasting the squash and toasting the croutons.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are approximately 275 calories per serving.
What ingredients are used for the herbed croutons?
The croutons are made from bread cubes, garlic oil, dried herbs (like Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper.
How do I achieve a creamy texture for the soup?
You can achieve a creamy texture by stirring in optional sour cream and blending the soup with an immersion or countertop blender.
What type of onion is recommended for this recipe?
One large sweet onion, diced, is recommended for the best flavor.
How much garlic is used in the soup base?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves to be sautéed with the onions.
What seasoning provides the 'smoky' element in this soup?
The smokiness comes from the Cajun seasoning and the use of a quality smoked chicken or vegetable stock.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, if you do not have fresh thyme, you can substitute it with 2 teaspoons of dried thyme.
How long should the croutons toast in the oven?
The croutons should be toasted for 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How many grams of protein are in this recipe?
There are 6g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this soup?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this butternut squash soup provide?
This soup provides 4g of fiber per serving.
Do I need to peel the butternut squash before roasting?
No, you roast the squash halved and cut-side down, then scoop out the flesh after it is cooked.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
The onions should be sautéed gently for 10-15 minutes until they become soft and golden brown.
What is the recommended garnish for this soup?
The soup is garnished with fresh chopped green onion and the crispy herbed croutons.
What total number of ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 15 distinct ingredients.
How much stock is needed for the recipe?
You will need 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock.
Is the sour cream required for this recipe?
The sour cream is optional and is used to add extra creaminess if desired.
What type of oil is used for tossing the croutons?
5 tablespoons of garlic oil are used to coat the bread cubes for the croutons.
How much Cajun seasoning should I use?
Start with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, but you can add more to taste.
How long does the soup need to simmer after adding the stock?
The soup should simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Can I use a countertop blender instead of an immersion blender?
Yes, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender to achieve a smooth texture.
Should the squash be roasted cut-side up or down?
The squash should be placed cut-side down on the baking sheet for roasting.
What herbs are used in the soup itself?
The soup uses fresh thyme and chopped fresh parsley.
What is the best way to remove seeds from the squash?
After slicing the squash in half, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the center.
Is salt and pepper added to the croutons?
Yes, a dash of salt and pepper is used when tossing the bread cubes before toasting.