Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup has always been one of my favorites. I think of crisp, chilly days, warm sweaters and socks, and my favorite cafe. The flavor and texture is so hearty, you feel like you've had a full-course meal. 

Beyond the flavor and coziness of the soup, it happens to be loaded in Vitamin A, is easy to make, and quite versatile in its ingredients. Hints of nutmeg and cumin are standard, but I've seen other ingredients varied from recipe to recipe. 

Heavy cream versus coconut milk, roasted vegetables beyond the squash, and even the methods are some of the few variances. 

Here is my version. As always, I made sure it's husband-approved. (He really has no choice but to like it, but he genuinely did. I think.)

Prep time: 5 min

Cooking time: 65 min

Servings: 4-5

Tools needed: immersion blender for blending in pot or large blender, i.e. Ninja blender or Vitamix

Ingredients

1 butternut squash, halved and seeds removed

4 cloves of garlic, left in hull

1 large sweet potato

1/2 red onion, cut/scored into grid pattern

3-4 whole white mushrooms, washed

1 whole carrot, chopping optional

1 can coconut milk

2 t sea salt

1 t pepper 

1 t nutmeg

1 t cinnamon

1 t cumin (can add more to taste later)

1/2 t ground allspice 

1 t turmeric *optional, mild flavor but adds great health benefits

Directions

Preheat oven to 410* F.

After prepping vegetables, arrange on roasting pan. Roast in oven on middle rack 45 to 50 minutes, until most of the vegetables or fork-tender. The onion should look caramelized, with the outer edges slightly darkened. The butternut squash may need a few more minutes. 

Take out, and allow vegetables to cool.

Remove garlic from the husks, which allowed the steam to be kept inside while roasting. Add to medium to large size pot, on medium heat. Spoon and the sweet potato from the skin, as well as a butternut squash from its skin. I had all vegetables to the pot. Add in spices, salt, and pepper. Pour in the coconut milk. Using an immersion blender*, blend until smooth. *or place in blender of choice

Serve hot. Optional garnishes: chives, cheese, croutons, or a delectable grilled cheese!

Enjoy!

-Ashley