Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is exactly what you need. I can hardly express how much joy this recipe brings me! It’s creamy, flavorful, and so simple to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when everyone needs a little extra comfort. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome goodness that even the pickiest eaters will love!

What I adore about this soup is how it transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. You can enjoy it as a light lunch or pair it with crusty bread for a hearty dinner. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavors of squash and sweet potatoes.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer—you can enjoy it whenever you like!
• Versatile Ingredients: With easy substitutions, you can make this soup fit any dietary preference.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of spices adds warmth and depth that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

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 2 tablespoons for serving)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 750 ml vegetable stock or water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

This soup is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative based on what you have at home. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale right before blending for an extra nutritional boost.
• Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add more chili flakes for some extra heat!
• Creamy alternative: Use almond milk instead of coconut milk if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Herb-infused: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary after cooking for a fragrant twist.

How to Make Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by peeling and chopping your butternut squash and sweet potatoes into small cubes. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Don’t forget to slice your onion and peel the garlic—these aromatics will build the foundation of flavor in your soup!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Adding garlic during the last minute of sautéing helps release its wonderful aroma without burning.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Toss in your chopped butternut squash and sweet potatoes along with the spices—ground cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and chili flakes. Stir everything together so that each piece gets coated in those fragrant spices. This step is crucial as it intensifies the flavors right from the start.

Step 4: Add Liquid

Pour in your vegetable stock (or water) and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. This part allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully!

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Once your vegetables are tender, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth—you could also transfer it in batches to a blender if that’s what you have handy! Blending creates that lovely creamy texture we all adore.

Step 6: Stir in Coconut Milk

Finally, stir in the full-fat coconut milk for richness! Taste your soup, adding salt and pepper as needed. If you like, drizzle some reserved coconut milk on top before serving for an extra touch of creaminess.

And there you have it! Your Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is ready to enjoy. Serve it hot with crusty bread or alone—it’s bound to become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Are you ready to take your soup game to the next level? Here are some handy tips to ensure your Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time!

• Roast for Richness: If you have a bit more time, consider roasting your butternut squash and sweet potatoes before adding them to the pot. This caramelization brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.

• Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender or a high-speed blender. This will create a velvety soup that feels luxurious without any added dairy.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding an extra pinch of salt or a dash of lime juice can brighten up the flavors significantly.

• Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize the spices based on your preferences! Adding ginger or nutmeg can give your soup a unique twist that caters to your taste buds.

• Storage Savvy: This soup is freezer-friendly! Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three months. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready for a quick meal.

How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Serving this delightful soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here’s how you can make it shine at your table!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Pumpkin seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds provide a lovely crunch that contrasts with the creamy soup.
• Coconut cream: Drizzle a little reserved coconut milk on top for an elegant touch and extra creaminess.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for dipping into the rich soup. Look for sourdough or whole grain options for added flavor.
• Green salad: A light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside seasonal roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots, which can enhance the autumnal flavors.
• Grain bowl: Pair with quinoa or brown rice topped with fresh greens for a hearty meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Enjoy crafting this cozy bowl of Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup! Each spoonful is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 4 days.
• When ready to enjoy, simply give it a stir before serving.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious soup!

Can I make Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup without coconut milk?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with vegetable broth or almond milk. Just adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain flavor.

How do I store Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup leftovers?

Simply place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned above.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, feel free to get creative! Carrots, bell peppers, or even kale would add great flavor and nutrition. Just chop them finely and add them during the cooking process.

Is this soup vegan-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is completely plant-based, using coconut milk instead of dairy products, making it suitable for vegans.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup as much as I do! Its creamy texture and delightful flavors are sure to warm your heart on chilly days. Remember that cooking is all about joy and creativity—so feel free to tweak it to your liking! Happy cooking!