Squash Soup with Parmesan
Highlighted under: Wholesome Healthy Meals Recipes
A creamy and flavorful squash soup topped with rich parmesan cheese, perfect for warming up on chilly days.
This squash soup is a delightful blend of flavors that bring warmth and comfort to your dining table. The addition of parmesan cheese elevates the dish, making it a perfect starter or main course.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture with a savory depth from roasted squash
- Rich flavor enhanced by the addition of parmesan cheese
- Perfectly spiced for a cozy meal any time of the year
The Benefits of Squash in Your Diet
Butternut squash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It's an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Additionally, this vibrant vegetable contains antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress in the body, making it a great choice for overall health.
Incorporating squash into your meals can also aid in digestion. Rich in dietary fiber, butternut squash promotes a healthy gut and can help regulate your digestive system. This creamy soup is a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of squash while indulging in a comforting dish.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Squash
When selecting butternut squash, look for ones that are heavy for their size with a matte skin. Avoid any squash with soft spots or blemishes. Properly peeling and cubing the squash can be a challenge, so using a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board will make the process easier and safer.
To enhance the flavor of your soup, consider roasting the squash before adding it to the pot. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the squash, resulting in a deeper, richer flavor. Simply toss the cubed squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
This squash soup is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different cheeses; sharp cheddar or crumbled feta can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Serve your soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For an elevated presentation, drizzle a little extra cream on top and sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Squash Soup
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Gather all the ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Squash
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
Cook the Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir for a few minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches.
Add Cream and Parmesan
Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Add the ground nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup gently until warmed through.
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your delicious squash soup with parmesan!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider roasting the squash before adding it to the soup for a deeper, caramelized taste.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This squash soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this squash soup is not only satisfying but also relatively low in calories. The combination of butternut squash, cream, and parmesan provides a rich source of vitamins and minerals while still being mindful of your dietary needs. Each serving offers a good balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein.
For those tracking their macros, this soup can fit nicely into various dietary plans. The fiber from the squash helps keep you feeling full longer, making it a great addition to lunches or dinners without the guilt.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of squash?
Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn or pumpkin squash for different flavors.
→ Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used are gluten-free.
→ Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
→ How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
Squash Soup with Parmesan
A creamy and flavorful squash soup topped with rich parmesan cheese, perfect for warming up on chilly days.
Created by: Lavinia Moore
Recipe Type: Wholesome Healthy Meals Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Squash Soup
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir for a few minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Add the ground nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup gently until warmed through.
Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider roasting the squash before adding it to the soup for a deeper, caramelized taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 8g