This is one of those dishes that I don’t have an actual recipe for. I probably did once, but it’s long since gone. Today, I just make it from memory. It’s warm, yummy and a perfect soup for the Fall and is an excellent base recipe for squash soup experimentation.
Depending on your taste, experiment with different quantities of maple syrup to make it more or less sweet, as you like it. You can also experiment with spices. I like just a bit of cinnamon, but alternately try a pinch of nutmeg or cloves, ginger, allspice, cumin, curry powder or even a bit of heat with cayenne would be nice, too. Finally, to change it up, try this soup with a variety of squash types (acorn, buttercup etc. along with the butternut).
I like to serve small portions in a pretty cup with a meal or have it for lunch with a nice crusty bread.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This is a delicious and easy soup that’s perfect for Fall, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Roasting the squash brings so much flavour to this soup.
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (or 2 small)
- 1 Tbsp. Vegetable oil
- 1/2-3/4 cup onion, very finely diced
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 2-3 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 – 1 cup 10% or 35% cream
- Cinnamon, to taste (about 1/4-1/2 tsp.)
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Cut butternut squash lengthwise and remove seeds. Preheat oven to 375° F. Brush insides and outsides of squash halves with vegetable oil, season with salt and pepper and place, cut sides down, on cookie sheet or in roasting pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until squash is tender.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter and add finely diced onion. Cook until onion is softened. Remove from heat until squash is cooked.
- When squash is cooked, remove from oven and spoon out the softened squash into the saucepan with the butter and onion, discarding the squash skin. Add enough chicken stock to the saucepan to cover the squash by about an inch. Return to heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Add maple syrup, salt, black pepper and a pinch of cinnamon.
- If soup is lumpy at this point and you prefer it perfectly smooth, puree with an immersion blender or a bit at a time in a regular blender. (Note: You can freeze the soup at this point, prior to adding the cream or just refrigerate to serve later. Simply re-warm then add cream before serving. Thin with a bit more chicken stock, if needed).
- Now, add as much or as little 10% (will make a thinner, not so rich soup) or 35% (will make a thicker, richer soup) cream as you like to the soup. Cook over low heat just until warmed through (do not boil). Serve and enjoy!
- (A garnish of a dollop of creme fraiche or sour cream and/or a sprinkling of parsley or chives is nice with this soup or try a sprinkling of homemade croutons.)
Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 1 hour 15 min | Total time: 1 hour 30 min
Number of servings (yield): 6
I’d like to try making this soup but wondering how many people this serves. I will have to make this for about 15 people and want to know if I should double/triple, etc. it?
Loved it! Will make it again for sure.
I just made this and ate a bowl immediately. This is absolutely delicious, thanks so much!
— Glad you enjoyed it, Heather. I must make a pot myself soon! – Jen
Thanks!!
Yes Anonymous! Just add more squash and up the cream, seasoning and spices accordingly. Should be fine.
I think I added too much chicken broth :( Can I fix it by just adding more squash?
It is great!
This looks great!
You’re welcome :)
Thank you