Description
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Hearty Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Made with savory sausage, creamy squash, and aromatic herbs, this soup is easy to prepare, nutritious, and meal-prep friendly.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- Ground sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, chopped
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy cream or coconut milk
- Olive oil or butter
- Fresh thyme or dried thyme
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Squash and Broth: Add the butternut squash, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth, ensuring the squash is fully submerged.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions to a blender and blend in batches.
- Add Cream and Sausage: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Adjust Seasonings & Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and extra thyme if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a bolder flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Extra Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients.
- Chunky Texture: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as-is.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: butternut squash soup, sausage soup, hearty soup recipe, easy soup, comfort food