Introduction
As the chilly air settles in and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like a warm, nourishing bowl of soup to bring comfort and warmth to the day. One of my personal favorites is Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Soup, a delightful blend of sweet, creamy squash balanced with the earthy, aromatic notes of fresh sage.
This simple yet sophisticated dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Butternut squash, rich in vitamins A and C, pairs beautifully with the herbal essence of sage, making for a meal that’s both delicious and healthy. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the squash, while a touch of onion and garlic adds depth to every spoonful.
Serve it in a warm bowl, perhaps with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch or a swirl of coconut cream for an added layer of creaminess. This soup is perfect for cozy nights in or for entertaining guests on special occasions. Get ready to fall in love with fall flavors and enjoy the comforting essence of this Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Soup!
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 lbs), peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for a richer taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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- In a large bowl, toss the diced butternut squash, chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until everything is well coated.
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- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
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- Once roasted, transfer the squash mixture to a large pot and add the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the chopped fresh sage (or dried) and mix well.
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- Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
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- Stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and maple syrup (if using). Heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring gently.
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- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm in bowls, garnished with fresh sage leaves if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4-6
Key Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for a non-vegan option)
- Fresh sage leaves (about 10-12, plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy sage leaves, or a drizzle of balsamic reduction
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your butternut squash will roast evenly and develop a beautiful caramelized flavor.
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Prepare the Butternut Squash:
- Begin by cutting the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to slice through the tough skin. Be cautious while handling as the squash can be slippery.
- Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. You can save the seeds if you’d like to roast them later for a crunchy topping!
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Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes or slices to ensure even roasting.
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Season the Squash:
- Place the cubed squash on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices (such as garlic powder or cayenne for a bit of heat).
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Toss in some fresh sage leaves or sprinkle dried sage over the top for that aromatic flavor profile.
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Roast the Squash:
- Spread the squash out in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure there’s space between pieces to allow for proper roasting.
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Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender and has turned golden brown on the edges. It may be necessary to toss the squash halfway through to ensure it roasts evenly.
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Prepare the Broth: While the squash is roasting, you can prepare your broth or stock for the soup. In a large pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and sauté some chopped onions, garlic, and more sage until fragrant.
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Combine: Once the squash is done roasting, add it directly into the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Blend: Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture in batches to a countertop blender. Puree until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency. If the soup is too thick, feel free to add more broth or water to achieve your desired texture.
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Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust for seasonings. This is the time to add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or even a dash of nutmeg for warmth if desired.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into your favorite bowls. For a delightful presentation, you can top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of roasted butternut squash seeds, or some additional crispy sage for garnish.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Soup Bowls!
Serving Suggestions
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Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavors of your Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Soup by sprinkling freshly chopped sage or parsley on top before serving. This will not only add a pop of color but also a burst of freshness.
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Add a Dollop of Cream: For a richer texture, consider adding a swirl of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl. This will provide a creamy contrast to the velvety soup.
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Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or a toasted baguette. This is perfect for dipping and will round out the meal beautifully.
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Top with Roasted Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor. This also provides a delightful texture contrast against the smooth soup.
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Drizzle with Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or pumpkin seed oil adds a touch of luxury and enhances the soup’s flavor profile.
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Cheese Options: Consider topping the soup with crumbled goat cheese, feta, or Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor. These cheeses complement the sweetness of the butternut squash beautifully.
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Spice It Up: If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your individual servings for a zesty kick.
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Accompany with Salad: Serve the soup alongside a fresh green salad, tossed with a light vinaigrette, to create a well-rounded meal.
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Seasonal Touch: For a seasonal twist, add roasted apples or pears as a topping for a unique sweet element that pairs wonderfully with the savory sage.
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Meal Prep Friendly: If you’re meal prepping, consider storing the soup in individual containers and pack accompanying sides like bread or salads separately for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Soup, customized to suit your tastes!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Soup Bowls are not only a delightful treat for the taste buds but also a nourishing meal that embodies the essence of comfort and warmth. The sweetness of the roasted butternut squash perfectly complements the earthy notes of sage, creating a rich and velvety soup that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Whether you serve it as a starter or as a main dish adorned with your favorite toppings, this soup is sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, it’s an ideal recipe for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant flavors of fall any day of the week.
Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings like toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, or a dollop of sour cream to customize it to your taste. So grab your ingredients, cozy up in the kitchen, and get ready to indulge in a bowlful of comfort that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Happy cooking!
