Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Roast the vegetables
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread butternut squash, sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic cloves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
- Roast for 30–35 minutes, until vegetables are soft and caramelized.
Step 2: Prepare the garlic
- Once cool enough to handle, squeeze roasted garlic out of its skins.
Step 3: Blend
- Place roasted vegetables and garlic into a blender.
- Add 2 cups broth and blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Simmer
- Pour mixture into a soup pot.
- Add remaining broth, cumin, coriander, optional maple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Stir and simmer 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 5: Make it creamy
- Reduce heat and stir in coconut milk or heavy cream.
- Adjust consistency with extra broth if needed.
- Taste and adjust spice, salt, or sweetness.
Step 6: Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs, pumpkin seeds, a swirl of cream, or red pepper flakes.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Keeps well for 4–5 days in the fridge. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months (dairy-free version freezes best). Reheat over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth if too thick.🥄 Variations
Ultra Spicy VersionAdd a roasted jalapeño or extra cayenne. Creamy Curry Squash Soup
Add 2 teaspoons curry powder before roasting veggies. Protein Boost
Blend in white beans for extra creaminess and nutrition. Ginger Heat Twist
Add 1 tablespoon grated ginger while simmering. Herb Infused
Add fresh rosemary or thyme while roasting vegetables.
❓ 10 FAQs
Is this soup very spicy?It’s medium spicy — reduce cayenne for a milder version. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes — roast straight from frozen. Can I skip the sweet potato?
Replace with more butternut squash or carrots. Can I use an immersion blender?
Yes — blend directly in the pot after roasting. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use coconut milk and skip heavy cream. Can I add protein?
Shredded chicken, chickpeas, or beans work great. Why add maple syrup?
It balances spice and enhances natural sweetness. Can I freeze it?
Yes — freezes beautifully (coconut milk version especially). Can I make it thicker?
Add less broth or simmer longer. Can kids eat this?
Yes — reduce the spicy seasonings.
