This roasted butternut squash and carrot soup is the ultimate fall comfort dish, packed with fresh veggies, sweet apples, and a medley of warming spices. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, offering a creamy texture with the richness of coconut milk. Whether you are preparing it for a family dinner or a quick meal prep, this soup is not only delicious but also vegan and gluten-free. In just a few simple steps, you can make a hearty, nutrient-rich soup that will keep you coming back for more.
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Why This Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup Is So Special
This roasted butternut squash and carrot soup is a versatile, nutrient-packed meal perfect for any occasion. Not only is it super easy to make, but it’s also incredibly healthy. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the addition of coconut milk adds a silky-smooth texture and a subtle richness. Plus, this soup is a great way to get in your daily dose of vitamins and fiber, with ingredients like carrots, butternut squash, and apples.
The flavor profile is beautifully balanced, combining the natural sweetness of the vegetables with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, making it an ideal addition to your fall and winter meals.
Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
• Butternut Squash: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and boosts the fiber content.
• Onion: Enhances the depth of flavor and aroma.
• Garlic: Offers a savory note that complements the sweetness of the vegetables.
• Olive Oil: Helps roast the vegetables to caramelize and enhance the flavors.
• Vegetable Broth: Acts as the base for the soup, adding moisture and umami.
• Apple: A sweet addition that balances the savory ingredients.
• Fresh Ginger: Adds a warming, slightly spicy kick.
• Cumin: Gives the soup a subtle earthiness and warmth.
• Coriander: Adds a citrusy and herbal note, complementing the spices.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
• Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a tropical flavor, making the soup rich and velvety.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Sweet Potato: Replace butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Chicken Broth: If you’re not vegan, feel free to swap vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Maple Syrup: Add a dash of maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
• Almond Milk: If you’re looking for a lighter soup, you can replace coconut milk with unsweetened almond milk for a different taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the butternut squash, carrots, onion, and garlic on a non-stick baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until evenly coated.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the vegetable broth, diced apple, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, or until the apple is fork-tender.
- Remove from heat and blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
- Stir in the coconut milk and blend again until the soup reaches a velvety consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra coconut milk or roasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.
Tips & Tricks for Perfecting Your Soup
- Meal Prep: Dice the butternut squash and carrots in advance to save time during the cooking process.
- For Extra Creaminess: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture. Be sure to shake the can well before opening.
- Blending Tip: If using a regular blender, blend the soup in small batches to prevent hot splashes.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter soup, add a drizzle of maple syrup after blending to enhance the natural sweetness.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This roasted butternut squash and carrot soup pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving it with:
- Salads: A light kale and beet salad adds freshness and crunch.
- Sandwiches: A warm vegan grilled cheese or avocado toast complements the soup perfectly.
- Bread: Serve with crusty whole-grain bread or homemade cornbread for dipping.
For variations, try adding a hint of spice like cayenne pepper or curry powder for extra warmth. You can also use different fruits, such as pears or oranges, for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
This soup is not only comforting but also offers several health benefits. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. Carrots are high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The addition of coconut milk provides healthy fats, while the ginger and spices offer anti-inflammatory properties. With all these nourishing ingredients, this soup makes a great option for a healthy, balanced diet.
Conclusion
Roasted butternut squash and carrot soup is the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition. With its velvety texture, natural sweetness, and aromatic spices, this soup brings warmth and joy to any meal. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, and it’s a great choice for meal prep, offering healthy, plant-based nutrition that can be enjoyed throughout the week. Whether you’re cozying up for dinner or need a quick lunch, this soup checks all the boxes — delicious, nutritious, and satisfying. Try making this cozy bowl of goodness today!
FAQ
1. Can I make this Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, so you can always have a bowl ready when you need it.
2. Can I substitute the coconut milk in this recipe?
If you prefer a different option, you can substitute coconut milk with almond milk or cashew milk for a lighter version. However, coconut milk provides a creamy texture and a rich flavor that is difficult to replicate, so using a full-fat version of coconut milk is recommended for the best results.
3. Is this Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is completely gluten-free! It is made with vegetable broth and coconut milk, both of which are naturally gluten-free. It’s a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions or looking for a wholesome, gluten-free meal.
More Relevant Recipes
- Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup: Cozy Recipe: This creamy soup features the sweetness of roasted butternut squash paired with soft gnocchi, offering a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Recipe: This vibrant salad combines roasted butternut squash with fresh greens and a tangy dressing, making for a light yet satisfying dish that complements the flavors of autumn.
- Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup: Another variation of roasted vegetable soup, this recipe combines the rich flavors of butternut squash and sweet potato, offering a velvety texture and a slight sweetness perfect for a comforting meal.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This roasted butternut squash and carrot soup is the ultimate comfort food for fall, featuring sweet roasted vegetables blended into a creamy, velvety soup. It’s packed with nutrition and flavors, making it a perfect cozy meal for chilly days. The addition of coconut milk adds richness while keeping it vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, left whole
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat or light)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the butternut squash, carrots, onion, and garlic on a non-stick baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until evenly coated.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the vegetable broth, diced apple, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, or until the apple is fork-tender.
- Remove from heat and blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
- Stir in the coconut milk and blend again until the soup reaches a velvety consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra coconut milk or roasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can prep the butternut squash and carrots in advance for easier meal prep.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, blend the soup in batches using a regular blender.
- Add maple syrup for extra sweetness if desired.
- The soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting, Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 232mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg