Butternut Squash Soup
There's nothing quite like the rich and creamy goodness of roasted butternut squash soup. This delicious soup is a true comfort food, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that can soothe your taste buds and nourish your body.
This recipe is easy to make and can be stored in an airtight container for later use. So, whether you're looking for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, this bacon and butternut squash soup recipe is sure to please.
Prep time: 15 min • Cook time: 1 hr • Total Time: 1 hr 15 min • Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 6-8 oz. slices bacon, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 small apple, peeled and chopped
- 3 cups chicken stock or bone broth
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, to taste
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- Fresh Italian parsley (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350℉.
Toss squash and carrots with coconut oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Roast uncovered for 35 minutes or until tender.
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside for soup garnish.
Add the onion and apple to the Dutch oven and sauté in bacon fat over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the roasted butternut squash, carrots, chicken broth, and coconut milk, and boil, stirring often. Remove from heat.
Blend the soup with an immersion blender in a food processor or blender until smooth in several small batches. (If using a blender or food processor, use small batches to avoid a mess!)
Return to pot, simmer, and season with salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Garnish with bacon and serve soup in large bowls.
Beyond the Ingredients: What Are the Health Benefits?
This bacon and butternut squash soup recipe is packed with essential nutrients that your body craves during the colder months. For instance, butternut squash is loaded with vitamin A, potassium, and calcium.
Butternut squash and carrots provide a sweet flavor, as well as pack in vitamin C. This essential nutrient can help support the immune system and maintain optimal vision.
Meanwhile, the crispy bacon adds a smoky element to the dish while also providing a good source of protein. Additionally, this creamy soup is low in carbohydrates and can be customized with your favorite flavor of bone broth.
What Can You Serve on the Side?
This bacon and butternut squash soup is a delicious and satisfying meal on its own. Still, if you're looking for a side dish to round out your meal, there are plenty of options. For example, a fresh green salad dressed with olive oil and black pepper would provide a crunchy contrast to this soup's creamy texture.
You could also serve roasted veggies, such as sweet potatoes or red peppers, alongside the soup for an extra dose of vitamins. This soup's creamy texture and smoky bacon flavor can also complement the rich and savory taste of steak, making for a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
Bacon Butternut Heaven
Bacon and butternut squash are a match made in culinary heaven. The salty, smoky crunch of the bacon perfectly complements the sweet and creamy squash. You can also sprinkle a little paprika and cayenne pepper if your tastebuds are in the mood for a little kick.
And if you're looking for a way to take this soup to the next level, a dollop of sour cream on top adds a tangy note that balances the soup's richness. With its comforting taste, easy preparation, and healthy ingredients, this bacon and butternut squash soup recipe is sure to become a go-to dish for the cooler time of year.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) | FoodData Central
Vitamin C and Immune Function | National Library of Medicine
