As the weather turns cooler and the leaves begin to fall, there's nothing quite as satisfying as a warm and nourishing bowl of soup. And if you're looking to elevate your butternut squash soup game to new heights, you are in the right place. Adding a touch of coconut can transform it into a creamy and exotic delight.
Combining the natural sweetness of butternut squash with coconut's rich, tropical flavors, this soup brings together the best of both worlds. With the assistance of a Vitamix blender, you can achieve a velvety smooth texture and blend the ingredients to perfection.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the step-by-step creation of a delightful butternut squash soup with the aid of the Vitamix blender. It will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul, which is worth adding to your delicious soup recipes. Note that this Vitamix butternut squash soup is vegan and gluten-free friendly.
Easy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and arrange the halves of butternut squash side by side on the baking sheet. Drizzle the inside of the squash flesh with coconut oil, and then carefully turn the squash face down.
2. Roast the squash for approximately 40-50 minutes or until it's caramelized and tender. Ensure thorough cooking. If the outer skin of the squash starts to darken, there's no need to worry, as it will be removed later. Placing the squash on the middle rack of your oven is recommended.
3. After the roasted butternut squash is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool down.
4. Begin by chopping your onion into halves or quarters, then place it in your Vitamix. Next, add the peeled garlic cloves. Transfer the roasted butternut squash flesh to the Vitamix cup with a spoon.
5. Add coconut milk, vegetable broth, and the remaining ingredients to the Vitamix cup and blend at high speed until the soup achieves a smooth and creamy texture. Be cautious when blending hot liquids, as steam can build pressure in the blender. If your blender is not large enough, you may need to blend in batches.
6. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your personal taste preferences. If the consistency is too thick, add more vegetable broth or coconut milk to achieve your desired thickness, then blend again.
6. Serve the hot Vitamix Coconut Butternut Squash Soup, garnishing it with toasted coconut flakes, red chili flakes, or a drizzle of coconut milk. These optional additions enhance the visual appeal and provide extra flavor and texture to the soup.
Exercise caution when mixing hot liquids: The heat from hot liquids can generate steam, increasing pressure within the blender. To avoid any potential accidents, removing the blender's center cap and covering it with a folded kitchen towel before blending is important. This allows the steam to dissipate safely and prevents any splattering.
Roasted Butternut Squash: To make roasted butternut squash soup, you will need to roast the raw butternut squash in the oven until it is tender. While you can saute raw cubed butternut squash in the butternut soup recipe, roasted squash can enhance the natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the butternut squash soup.
What Ingredients You Will Need
Butternut Squash
The vibrant and sweet winter squash takes center stage as the star ingredient in this soup. It adds a smooth and creamy texture along with a slightly nutty flavor. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.
Coconut Milk
The creamy and luscious coconut milk adds a tropical touch to the soup. By bringing richness and depth of flavor, it complements the inherent sweetness of the butternut squash. Furthermore, coconut milk, abundant in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, imparts a nourishing boost to the soup.
Onion
The addition of chopped onions establishes a savory and aromatic foundation for the soup, imparting a delicate sweetness and enhancing its depth of flavor when cooked. Onions, known for their versatility, elevate the overall taste profile of the soup.
Sage
Adding sage to butternut squash soup can be a fantastic way to enhance its flavor profile. Sage pairs particularly well with the natural sweetness and earthiness of butternut squash, adding depth and complexity to the soup.
Garlic
Minced garlic adds a delightful pungency and earthiness to the soup. It infuses a hint of spiciness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Garlic also provides potential health benefits that include immune system enhancement and inflammation reduction.
Ginger
Freshly grated ginger provides a zingy and slightly spicy note to the soup. Incorporating ginger adds a touch of warmth and a refreshing element that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the butternut squash. Furthermore, ginger is renowned for its potential anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, making it a delightful and beneficial addition to the soup.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil serves as the cooking fat for sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger. It adds a subtle coconut aroma and flavor to the soup. Coconut oil is rich in healthy fats and can contribute to the overall creaminess and richness of the dish.
Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth acts as the liquid base of the soup, providing a savory foundation and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. For a delectable outcome, choose a high-quality vegetable broth.
Curry Powder
A teaspoon of curry powder brings the soup warmth and depth of flavor. It adds a subtle hint of spiciness and a beautiful golden color. Curry powder imparts a multifaceted flavor profile to the dish, composed of a harmonious blend of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek.
Ground Cumin
Adding half a teaspoon of ground cumin enhances the earthy and nutty flavors of the butternut squash soup. Cumin is a versatile spice known for its warm and slightly bitter taste, contributing to the overall depth of the dish.
Salt and Pepper
These crucial seasonings play a vital role in harmonizing flavors and elevating the overall taste of the soup. Adjust the amounts according to your preference.
Optional Garnishes:
Toasted Coconut Flakes: These provide a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to the soup. Toasted coconut flakes can be sprinkled on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Adding red chili flakes as a garnish to your Vitamix coconut butternut squash soup can bring a delightful touch of heat and spice to the dish.
Drizzle of Coconut Milk: A small drizzle of coconut milk on top of the soup can further enhance the creamy coconut flavor and create an attractive presentation.
How To Store Vitamix Thai Butternut Squash Soup Leftovers
If you have leftover butternut squash soup, leave it in your Vitamix blender cup, seal tight with a lid, and then place it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a sealed container and refrigerate it for later use. This butternut squash soup can be kept refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
How to Elevate this Vitamix Butternut Squash Soup
Sautéed Shallots
In addition to the onion, sauté some thinly sliced shallots and onions. Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor than regular onions, and they can contribute a subtle and sophisticated taste to the soup.
Coconut Cream Swirl
Before serving, drizzle some coconut cream or coconut milk over the top of the soup. Use a toothpick or a spoon to create a decorative swirl pattern. This adds a luxurious touch and enhances the coconut flavor in each spoonful.
Spices and Herbs
Feel free to embark on an exploration of additional spices and herbs to enhance the flavor profile even more. Deliberate incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to impart a delightful, warm, and aromatic note. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, basil, or mint can be sprinkled on top of the soup as a garnish to bring freshness and a pop of color.
Citrus Zest
Add a burst of brightness to the soup by incorporating some citrus zest. Grate the zest of either a lemon or an orange, then gently stir it into the blended soup. The citrus zest adds a refreshing tang and balances the richness of the coconut and squash.
Toasted Nuts or Seeds
Enhance the soup's texture and add a crunchy element by sprinkling some toasted nuts or seeds on top. Toasted pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or crushed cashews provide a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the soup and contribute a nutty flavor.
Flavored Oil Drizzle
Infuse some extra flavor by creating a flavored extra virgin olive oil drizzle. Heat a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil in a pan and add spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, or chili flakes. Let them sizzle for a minute to release their aromas, then strain the oil and drizzle it over the soup for a burst of flavor.
Coconut Bacon Crumble
For a unique twist, prepare coconut bacon by seasoning coconut flakes with tamari or soy sauce, liquid smoke, and a pinch of maple syrup. Toast the coated coconut flakes in the oven until crispy. Crumble the coconut bacon over the soup for a smoky, savory, and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional bacon.
Use chicken broth
Chicken broth brings a delicious savory note to the soup, enhancing the overall taste profile. By introducing a rich umami flavor, it beautifully complements the butternut squash's inherent sweetness and the coconut milk's creamy texture. The amalgamation of these flavors culminates in a well-balanced and deeply satisfying soup. However, if you are seeking to make vegan butternut squash soup, opt for vegetable broth or stock.
