There’s something truly magical about autumn’s bounty, and at the heart of it lies the humble honeynut squash. This soup is a hug in a bowl. It’s so creamy and deeply flavored. The sweetness of roasted honeynut squash sings. It’s a truly special dish.
I find myself making this roasted squash soup often. It’s perfect for chilly evenings. The little ones even ask for seconds! Plus, it keeps wonderfully in the fridge for easy lunches.
Why I Love This Honeynut Squash Soup
This soup is a weeknight warrior! Seriously, it’s incredibly easy.
- Pure Comfort: It tastes like cozy, warm blankets.
- Quick Prep: Roasting the squash is simple multitasking.
- Delicious Flavor: The natural sweetness is amazing.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters love this creamy vegetable soup.
It’s genuinely heartwarming and oh-so-delicious.
Honeynut Squash Soup Ingredients
Gathering these simple ingredients is like collecting autumn’s golden treasures. They come together beautifully. This creates a truly comforting, creamy vegetable soup.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Honeynut Squash: The star of the show. Its natural sweetness is unmatched. It gives our honeynut squash soup its signature flavor.
- Olive Oil: For roasting the squash and sautéing our veggies. It builds a lovely flavor base.
- Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery: This aromatic trio, or mirepoix, adds depth. They provide foundational savory notes to the soup.
- Garlic: Because what dish isn’t better with garlic? It adds a pungent kick.
- Vegetable Broth: The liquid heart of our soup. Use a good quality one for the best taste.
- Ground Ginger & Nutmeg: These warming spices are like a cozy sweater. They give the soup a subtle, festive warmth.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch adds a gentle heat. It balances the sweetness.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This makes the soup luxuriously creamy. It also adds a subtle tropical note.
Substitutions and Tips
Switching things up is my jam! If you can’t find honeynut squash, butternut squash is a good alternative. Just adjust roasting time as needed. Don’t have coconut milk? Heavy cream works too, but it won’t be vegan. For an extra flavor boost, roast a sprig of rosemary with the squash. Want quicker prep? Buy pre-cut squash. Store leftovers properly for easy meals. Quantities are in the recipe card below!
How to Make Honeynut Squash Soup
Making this roasted squash soup is a breeze. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. It’s that easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Roasting the Honeynut Squash
First, preheat your oven. It needs to be nice and hot at 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the honeynut squash in half. Scoop out all those seeds. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes. You want them fork-tender. This makes scooping the flesh super simple.
Sautéing the Aromatics
While the squash roasts, get started on the base. Heat olive oil in a big pot. Use a Dutch oven if you have one. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them until they soften. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Add minced garlic next. Cook it for just one more minute. It should smell amazing. Don’t let it burn.
Combining and Simmering
Once the squash is roasted, let it cool a bit. Scoop the tender flesh into the pot. Add it with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in ground ginger and nutmeg. Add that pinch of cayenne pepper. Raise the heat to bring it all to a boil. Then, lower the heat. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Blending to Creamy Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens. Use an immersion blender. Carefully puree the soup. Blend until it’s wonderfully smooth. You want a creamy vegetable soup. No chunks allowed! If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender works too. Just do it in batches. Be cautious, hot liquids expand.
Finishing Touches
Stir in the full-fat coconut milk. This makes the honeynut squash soup so rich. Season it with salt and pepper. Taste as you go. Gently warm the soup through. Do this over low heat. Don’t let it boil again. Serve your delicious, golden creation hot.
How to Store Honeynut Squash Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This delicious honeynut squash soup stores like a dream. For the best results, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s sealed well. This keeps that wonderful creamy texture intact. You can also freeze portions. Use freezer-safe containers. This roasted squash soup can hang out in the freezer for about 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove. You might need a splash of broth or water. It helps maintain that perfect consistency. This healthy soup is great for meal prep.
Tips for Success
- Roast squash until very tender. This ensures smooth blending.
- Sauté aromatics until softened. This builds flavor depth.
- Don’t skip the coconut milk. It adds essential creaminess!
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Salt and pepper make a difference.
- Warm gently after adding coconut milk. Avoid boiling the soup again.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet for roasting.
- Large pot or Dutch oven.
- Sharp knife and cutting board.
- Immersion blender (or regular blender).
- Airtight containers for storage.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Add a swirl of extra coconut milk.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- A crisp green salad complements it well.
- Pair with a light, dry white wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Honeynut Squash Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This roasted squash soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy. It tastes even better the next day!
What can I substitute for honeynut squash?
No honeynut squash? No problem! Butternut squash is a great alternative. Just be aware that its flavor is slightly nuttier. You might need to adjust the roasting time a bit. Acorn squash is another option for this creamy soup.
How can I make this soup vegan?
Great news! This honeynut squash soup is already vegan. We use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess. Just ensure your vegetable broth is also vegan-certified. Enjoy this delicious, plant-based meal!
What are some good garnishes for Honeynut Squash Soup?
Toppings add fun texture! Consider toasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas. A swirl of extra coconut milk looks lovely. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a nice color pop. A little bit of crunch really elevates this creamy vegetable soup.
PrintHoneynut Squash Soup
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful soup made with roasted honeynut squash, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of warming spices, finished with rich coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 4 honeynut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the honeynut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until fork-tender.
- While the squash roasts, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Once the squash is roasted and cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh out of the skins and add it to the pot with the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the ground ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is very smooth.
- Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm through gently over low heat and serve.
Notes
- For a smoother soup, you can pass it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds or a swirl of extra coconut milk before serving.