Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup is a delightful dish that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. This easy-to-make soup brings together the sweet, nutty flavors of butternut squash, complemented by a hint of spice and creaminess from coconut milk. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a wholesome, comforting meal that practically cooks itself. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can immerse yourself in a bowl of creamy goodness that is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Why We Love This Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
This recipe is not just about taste; it’s about the ease and convenience of using a crockpot. Cooking in a slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying soup. Whether you’re a busy parent or a professional on the go, the ability to prepare a hearty meal with minimal fuss is invaluable. Just chop your veggies, toss them into the crockpot, and let the magic happen. This soup is also versatile, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to your liking. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get your daily dose of vegetables while enjoying a comforting bowl of warmth.
Ingredients about Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
To whip up this delicious soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and roughly chopped
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 sprig fresh sage
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- Fine sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: smoked paprika, extra coconut milk drizzle
How to Make Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup Directions
Making this delicious butternut squash soup is a simple process that starts with a little prep work. Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Here, you will sauté the diced white onion and minced garlic. Stir them around until the onions become translucent, which should take approximately five minutes. The smell of the sautéing onion and garlic will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Once the onions and garlic are ready, it’s time to transfer them to your crockpot. Pour in the vegetable broth, which serves as the soup base and adds rich flavor. Then, add your chopped carrot and Granny Smith apple. The apple adds a wonderful sweetness to the blend, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Now, it’s time to focus on the star of the dish: the butternut squash. Carefully peel, seed, and dice the squash into roughly equal pieces to ensure even cooking. Add the diced butternut squash to the crockpot along with a sprig of fresh sage, a hint of cayenne pepper, and the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices are not just there for flavor; they bring warmth and depth that fits perfectly with the sweet squash.
Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 4 to 6 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the butternut squash and carrot are tender. Once done, remove the sage sprig and discard it. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture to your desired level of smoothness. If you prefer a chunkier soup, feel free to leave some texture.
Now comes the finishing touch: stir in the unsweetened coconut milk. This not only adds creaminess but also a subtle coconut flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference.
Your comforting bowl of Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup is now ready to be served!
How to Serve Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
Serving your delicious soup is just as important as making it. When you’re ready to enjoy your warm bowl, ladle the soup into individual bowls. For an appealing touch, consider garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of extra coconut milk. These small additions not only enhance the presentation but also add layers of flavor.
Pair your soup with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to make it a complete meal. If you’re hosting, consider serving it as a starter; the warm and creamy nature of this soup will surely impress your guests. Don’t forget to set out some freshly cracked black pepper on the table for those who want an extra kick!
Expert Tips: Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, consider chopping your vegetables the night before. Store them in the refrigerator so they’re ready to go in the morning. You can pop everything into the crockpot and set it to cook while you tackle your day.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can add more or less apple. A sweeter apple will enhance the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, so choose your apple accordingly.
- Add Protein: If you’d like to turn this soup into a more substantial meal, consider adding a can of chickpeas or white beans for an extra protein boost. This alteration won’t detract from the original flavor but will enhance its nutritional value.
- Spice It Up: If you love spice, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes. A spicy version of this soup offers a nice contrast to its natural sweetness.
- Coconut Milk Variations: If you’re not a fan of coconut milk or prefer a different flavor profile, feel free to substitute it with regular milk or heavy cream. These options will also lend their richness to the soup.
How to Store Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
Storing your Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup is straightforward. Once cooled, transfer the leftover soup into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
If you want to save it for a longer time, consider freezing it. For freezing, ladle the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Properly frozen, your soup can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove until piping hot.
Variation of Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
While the classic recipe is phenomenal on its own, there are numerous ways you can put a twist on your Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup:
- Add Other Vegetables: Toss in some chopped sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even a handful of spinach to introduce new flavors and nutrients.
- Curry Flavor: For those who enjoy spices, consider adding curry powder to the mix. This will effortlessly infuse exotic flavors that pair beautifully with butternut squash.
- Herb Change-Up: If you want a different herbal note, basil or thyme can be excellent substitutes for sage. Each herb brings its unique essence that can change the soup’s profile dramatically.
- Nutty Addition: Top your soup with toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest added just before serving can brighten the soup remarkably, balancing the sweet and savory notes.
FAQ
What makes this Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup recipe special?
This recipe offers an easy, hands-off method for a comforting, creamy soup that combines natural sweetness from butternut squash and apple with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
Yes, using frozen butternut squash is perfectly fine! Just add it directly to the crockpot without thawing, and follow the cooking instructions as usual.
How can I enhance the nutritional value of this soup?
To boost the nutritional profile, you can add legumes like chickpeas or lentils or toss in leafy greens like spinach towards the end of the cooking process. These additions will not only increase the fiber but also vitamins and minerals.
Is there a way to make this soup vegan?
Yes, this soup is already vegan. The use of vegetable broth and coconut milk ensures it meets vegan dietary needs while still being delicious.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you find the soup too thin, you can blend in more of the soup to thicken it. Alternatively, consider adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to achieve the desired consistency.
Now that you’ve got all the information, it’s time to grab your ingredients and make this comforting, delicious Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup! Enjoy the process of creating a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Happy cooking!
Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth Serves as the soup base
- 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, cored and roughly chopped Adds sweetness
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced Star ingredient
- 1 sprig fresh sage
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional spice
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk Adds creaminess
- Fine sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: smoked paprika, extra coconut milk drizzle
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your crockpot.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the chopped carrot and Granny Smith apple.
- Peel, seed, and dice the butternut squash into equal pieces, then add to the crockpot along with fresh sage, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cooking
- Set your crockpot to low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours, until the butternut squash and carrot are tender.
- Remove the sage sprig, then use an immersion blender to blend the mixture to your desired smoothness.
- Stir in the unsweetened coconut milk and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with smoked paprika or extra coconut milk as desired.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Offer freshly cracked black pepper on the side for extra seasoning.
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