Can You Handle the Cozy Comfort of Butternut Apple Soup? A Recipe for the Soul

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through an easy yet delicious recipe for Butternut Apple Soup. Prepare to create a dish that perfectly embodies the cozy vibes of fall!

The Hearty Ingredients

Before starting the cooking process, let's collect our ingredients (Mis en Place for the win). Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 large butternut squash Other varieties work well too (approximately 2 to 3 pounds)

• 5 medium-sized apples peeled, cored, and chopped(Gala or Honeycrisp, or any other crisp tart apple types work here)

• 1 medium Onion, chopped

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)

• 2 tablespoons fresh garlic chives, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced

• 5 leaves fresh sage, chiffonade (cut into ribbons)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional toppings: fried sage leaves, drizzle of cream, pumpkin seeds, or fresh herbs for garnish

  
  

Each ingredient adds to the creamy texture and delightful flavors that make this soup a perfect fall recipe. Did you know that butternut squash is packed with over 300% of your daily vitamin A in just one cup?

Preparing the Ingredients for the Butternut Apple Soup

Let's start by preparing the butternut squash. Peel, cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and cut into chunks 1-2" each.

At this point you have two choices; prep the remaining ingredients and begin the soup (for those who want soup ready in an hour); or roast squash first to develop even more flavor - placing chunks on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in an oven at 350ºF until caramelized and softened (this step adds about 40 minutes).

If you are going with option one, skip to the next section.

Butternut squash is ideal, but other squash will work too!

While the squash roasts, peel and chop the apples. Set them aside, then finely chop the onion and prep your fresh herbs.

Sautéing the Aromatics

It's time to start building a flavor base.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ribbons of sage leaves and fry them until crisp. Remove leaves and place onto a paper towel until later. These will be used as a garnish.

Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.

Next, add the squash and apple chunks and begin to brown them for 5-10 minutes. At this stage, the aroma will instantly make you think of cozy autumn evenings!

Blending It All Together

Now it’s time for the remaining ingredients. Pour in the broth, and add the fresh thyme and garlic chives.

Bring this delightful mixture just to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-40 minutes. (If you went with option one it will take a bit longer to soften the squash.) This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.

When it’s done simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender - or eat as is, but the flavor will be a bit different and the texture not as smooth. Always take care with hot liquids!

Final Touches

After blending, return the soup to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you desire a creamier texture, feel free to stir in some heavy cream at this stage. (or coconut milk for complete vegan recipe).

Garnish each bowl with the crisp sage leaves. Other garnishes are pumpkin seeds or a sprig of parsley, even some fresh diced apple would be nice here.

A comforting bowl of butternut apple soup, ready to be enjoyed.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your butternut apple soup is ready, it's time to serve! This soup pairs beautifully with crusty sourdough bread, or a roast beet and goat cheese salad.

You can present it as a starter or make it the centerpiece of a cozy autumn dinner. The comforting warmth and fantastic flavors are bound to please everyone at your table! For added fun roast up some small pie pumpkins and serve inside each pumpkin, a double helping of beta carotene.

Storing Leftovers

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, enjoy them! The soup stores well. Let it cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready for another comforting bowl.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers. It will remain good for about 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat directly from frozen in a saucepan for an quick cozy meal.

Health Benefits of Butternut Apple Soup

Beyond its delightful flavor and warmth, butternut apple soup boasts impressive nutritional benefits.

Butternut squash is high in vitamins A and C, and also provides a dose of fiber and antioxidants. Apples, on the other hand, are a great source of vitamin C and offer plenty of dietary fiber as well.

This soup not only satisfies cravings but also helps you meet your daily vegetable intake, making it a nourishing choice for chilly days.

A Warm Conclusion

In times that often feel hectic, recipes like Butternut Apple Soup invite us to slow down and savor simple pleasures. This soup goes beyond being just a meal; it offers warmth and comfort in a bowl.

As fall settles in and the air turns crisp, take the chance to create and enjoy this cozy dish. Gather your friends and family, serve up warm bowls of soup, and relish the flavors and memories they bring.

Will you be making Butternut Apple Soup a staple in your fall recipe lineup? Give it a try and cozy up to a dish that truly warms your soul!