Elevate Your Winter Comfort Food with Protein-Rich Butternut Squash Soup

As winter winds howl and temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to soothe the soul. But why settle for an ordinary soup when you can elevate your winter comfort food game with a protein-rich twist? Enter our Protein-Rich Butternut Squash Soup recipe - a hearty and nourishing dish that will warm you from the inside out while satisfying your hunger and providing a boost of essential nutrients. Let's dive into how to create this delicious masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (3-pound) butternut squash
• 1 large head garlic, top trimmed about 1/4-inch to expose the cloves
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into large equal-sized wedges
• 1 sprig fresh sage leaves with about 5 large leaves (optional)
• 1 medium sprig rosemary (optional)
• Generous drizzle of olive oil plus more as needed
• 1 (15-ounce) can butterbeans or white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ inch knob ginger, peeled
• 4 cups vegetable broth plus more as needed
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• (Optional: coconut milk, blended cashews, or oat milk for creaminess)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 425ºF.
• Prepare the Squash: Trim the top and bottom of the squash. Slice down the middle lengthwise to make two equal halves. Scoop out the seeds.
• Roast the Vegetables: Place the squash, garlic, onion, sage, and rosemary onto one or two large baking sheets and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt to taste. Rub the vegetables and herbs with the oil until evenly coated. Place the squash flesh side down and roast on the middle rack for about 35 minutes, or until the squash flesh meets no resistance when inserted with a small knife. Remove the sage and rosemary beforehand if they start to burn.
• Prepare the Soup Base: Set aside until cool enough to handle. Then peel the skin off the squash with your hands or a vegetable peeler. Break the squash flesh into smaller chunks and place them into a large saucepan or blender. Squeeze the cloves from the garlic directly into the saucepan or blender. Add the onion, leaves from the herbs, butter beans, ginger, and vegetable broth. Blend the ingredients using an immersion blender or a high-speed blender until smooth, adding more broth as desired.
• Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add coconut milk, blended cashews, or oat milk at this stage. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and a few fresh herb leaves if desired.

Conclusion:

With its rich, creamy texture and hearty flavor, this Protein-Rich Butternut Squash Soup is the perfect addition to your winter menu. Packed with essential nutrients and protein from the butterbeans, it's a satisfying and nourishing meal that will keep you warm and satisfied on even the chilliest of days. So, next time you're craving a bowl of comforting soup, why not give this recipe a try? Your taste buds and your body will thank you!