Roasted Acorn Squash Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Warm up with this creamy and flavorful roasted acorn squash soup, perfect for chilly days.
This roasted acorn squash soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness, making for a comforting dish you'll want to enjoy all season long.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, sweet flavor from roasted acorn squash
- Creamy texture enhanced with coconut milk
- Perfectly spiced for a warm, comforting dish
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prep
The Health Benefits of Acorn Squash
Acorn 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 skin and boosting the immune system. A single serving of acorn squash provides a good amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to keep you feeling full longer.
Additionally, acorn squash contains potassium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining heart health. Its rich, sweet flavor makes it a perfect base for soups, allowing you to enjoy its health benefits in a comforting and satisfying dish.
Incorporating acorn squash into your diet can also aid in weight management. The low-calorie content combined with its fiber helps to curb hunger without adding excessive calories, making it an ideal ingredient for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This roasted acorn squash soup is an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts. It can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade soup any day of the week. Simply reheat portions as needed, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
The flavors in this soup only deepen and improve after a day or two in the fridge, making it even tastier as leftovers. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
When preparing for the week ahead, consider portioning the soup into individual containers. This not only helps with portion control but also makes it easy to grab a nutritious meal on the go.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While this roasted acorn squash soup is delicious on its own, there are many ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added texture and creaminess. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
For those looking to spice things up, feel free to experiment with additional seasonings. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a delightful warmth that complements the sweetness of the squash. You might also try adding a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick.
If you're looking for a heartier meal, you can incorporate protein by adding cooked lentils or shredded chicken to the soup. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also makes it more filling, perfect for serving on its own as a main course.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to roast the acorn squash until tender for the best flavor.
Instructions
Roast the Acorn Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the acorn squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Combine Ingredients
Once the acorn squash is roasted and cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and add it to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, coconut milk, ginger, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Blend until creamy.
Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of coconut milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Enjoy your delicious roasted acorn squash soup!
Storage Tips
To store leftover roasted acorn squash soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you plan to freeze the soup, make sure to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
When reheating, you can use either the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, warm the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
This roasted acorn squash soup is not only flavorful but also nutritious. A single serving typically contains around 200 calories, making it a light yet satisfying choice. It is rich in fiber, which aids in digestion, and provides a good balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats from the coconut milk.
Additionally, the vitamins and minerals found in acorn squash contribute to overall health, including improved vision, enhanced immunity, and better skin health. This soup is a guilt-free way to indulge in comfort food while still nourishing your body.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, this soup is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth and coconut milk.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a light sandwich.
Roasted Acorn Squash Soup
Warm up with this creamy and flavorful roasted acorn squash soup, perfect for chilly days.
Created by: Ruby Lawson
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the acorn squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Once the acorn squash is roasted and cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and add it to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, coconut milk, ginger, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Blend until creamy.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of coconut milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 3g