Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is a perfect blend of flavors, making it a delicious choice for any meal. It’s creamy, comforting, and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this soup is sure to impress. The optional roasting of vegetables enhances the flavor, making every bowl a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of spices and creamy coconut milk creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile: Serve it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for future meals.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins from the butternut squash and sweet potatoes, this soup is nutritious without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this easy butternut squash and sweet potato soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Blender (immersion or countertop)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly while allowing room for all ingredients.
• Blender: Helps achieve that smooth, creamy texture that makes this soup so appealing.
• Sharp knife: Ensures easy chopping of vegetables for quicker preparation.

Ingredients

This butternut squash and sweet potato soup is a quick and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes. It’s creamy, flavourful, and easy to make—perfect for any meal. Roasting the vegetables is optional but recommended for added depth of flavour.

For the Soup

• 1 small butternut squash (about 700-900g or 2-3 cups) (peeled and chopped)
• 2 sweet potatoes (about 275g or 2 cups) (peeled and chopped)
• 1 yellow onion (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400 ml tin full fat coconut milk (reserve two tablespoons for serving)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
• 750 ml vegetable or chicken stock or water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by peeling and chopping the butternut squash and sweet potatoes into even-sized pieces. Slice the onion and peel the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent. Then add the garlic cloves, cooking until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add the chopped butternut squash and sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, cinnamon, chilli powder, chilli flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so that the spices coat all the vegetables evenly.

Step 5: Pour in Stock

Pour in your vegetable or chicken stock or water. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender or transferring to a countertop blender in batches, blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less.

Step 7: Finish with Coconut Milk

Stir in most of the coconut milk into your blended soup. Reserve some coconut milk for drizzling on top when serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into bowls and drizzle with reserved coconut milk before serving hot! Enjoy your easy butternut squash and sweet potato soup!

How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Serving your Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable.

With Crusty Bread

• A fresh loaf of crusty bread pairs perfectly, allowing you to soak up the creamy soup.

Topped with Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds on top for added crunch and nutrition.

Swirled Coconut Cream

• Drizzle reserved coconut milk on top for a beautiful presentation and extra creaminess.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Serve alongside a simple mixed greens salad to add texture and balance to your meal.

How to Perfect Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

To ensure your Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup turns out amazing, consider these tips.

• Roast Your Vegetables: Roasting the squash and sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions provide better taste compared to dried alternatives.

• Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste preferences; add more chili for heat or cinnamon for warmth.

• Blend Thoroughly: For a smoother texture, blend the soup until silky, making it incredibly creamy.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds a savory crunch that complements the soup’s creaminess.

2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies can add a nutritious element without overwhelming flavors.

3. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh vegetable sticks served with hummus provide a refreshing crunch alongside the soup.

4. Cheese Toasties: Grilled cheese sandwiches made with your favorite cheese offer comfort and warmth.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy bites add texture and can be seasoned with balsamic vinegar for tanginess.

6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or grains create a hearty side that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using unpeeled vegetables: Always peel the butternut squash and sweet potatoes before chopping. The skins can add bitterness to the soup.
• Skipping the spices: Don’t neglect the spices! Ground cumin, cinnamon, and chili powder enhance flavor significantly. Adjust them to your taste for a personalized touch.
• Not blending long enough: Ensure you blend the soup until completely smooth. A chunky texture will not provide that creamy consistency we aim for in this recipe.
• Ignoring the broth choice: Choose a good-quality vegetable or chicken stock. This greatly impacts the soup’s overall flavor. Homemade stock is always best!
• Overcooking garlic: Garlic should be sautéed just until fragrant. Overcooking can lead to a bitter taste, ruining your delicious soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup.

Can I customize the spices in Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference. Add more heat with extra chili flakes or try different herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation.

How can I make Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly! All ingredients used are plant-based, making it a perfect option for those seeking vegan meals.

What can I serve with Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup?

Pair this soup with crusty bread, a light salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal.

How long does it take to make Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup?

The total time is approximately 40 minutes—10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly delicious and versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or toppings like toasted seeds or fresh herbs. Enjoy this comforting dish any time of year!