Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash is a sweet tasting and nutty flavored winter squash, used widely in making soups, muffins and casseroles. Also commonly known as butternut pumpkin, it can be toasted and roasted with flavorful herbs and spices. The secret of this vegetable and/or fruit is the rich source of vitamins, fiber, potassium and magnesium; while containing negligible amounts of fats and cholesterol. Thus, butternut squash soup, prepared after removing the skin and seeds, is often recommended as a healthy recipe for heart patients and those who have digestive problems and colon cancer.

The soup of Butternut squash is an easy and less time-consuming item, provided you know the various methods of cooking this winter squash. The calories in this soup depends on the ingredients that you have used in making the recipe. However, a cup of regularly prepared butternut squash soup contains approximately 90-100 calories. Let's take a look at the various ways of making this super delicious soup.

Easy Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash (peeled and seeded)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium-sized onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons butter (preferably unsalted)
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions for Preparation

Cut the already peeled butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. In a large cooking pot (or pan), melt butter and add onions. Saute onions for about 5 minutes, until they turn translucent. To this, add butternut squash and stir occasionally on a low flame. Stir in chicken stock, boil and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, until the squash cubes turn soft and tender. Remove the cooked squash with the help of a slotted spoon and blend in an electric mixture for about 2 minutes. Then, add this pureed squash to the soup pot. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper and serve.

Butternut Squash and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded and cubed)
• 1 medium-sized carrot (cut into pieces)
• 2 medium-sized potatoes (cut into pieces)
• 1 container chicken stock
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1 stalk celery (chopped)
• Salt and black pepper as per taste

Directions for Preparation

In a large pot, melt butter and add the ingredients - onion, butternut squash, carrot and potatoes. Stir and cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes and pour chicken stock (enough to dip the vegetables). Bring the soup to boil and simmer in low flame for another 30 minutes or until the squash and other vegetables are cooked well. Transfer this into a mixer and blend for 2-3 minutes. Pour the soup mixture into the cooking pot and add remaining chicken broth. Season with salt, black pepper and chopped parsley (optional) and serve hot.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash (peeled, seeded and make cubes)
• 1 tart green apple (peeled, cored and cut into pieces)
• 1 carrot (chopped)
• 1 green onion (chopped)
• 1 stalk celery (chopped)
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Pinches of cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper

Directions for Preparation

In a large saucepan, mix and combine together the ingredients - butter, onion, celery and carrot. Cook the mixture for 5-6 minutes and add the remaining ingredients, butternut squash, apple and chicken stock. Bring the soup mixture to boil and simmer for about 15 minutes. Check whether the squash is tender by piercing with a fork. If cooked well, transfer the mixture to a blender and make a puree out of it. Add salt, pepper and spices and serve.

Well! These were some of the butternut squash soup recipes that you can treat your family members. You can also use butternut squash in making pumpkin pie recipes. Or else, roasted butternut squash cubes flavored with cinnamon, thyme and nutmeg can be served as a delicious side dish in any meal.