Roasted Butternut Squash Maple (Printable)

Velvety roasted squash blended with maple syrup, nutmeg, and cinnamon for a comforting, creamy bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large butternut squash (about 2.5 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

04 - 4 cups vegetable broth
05 - 1 cup water
06 - 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

→ Flavorings

07 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

12 - Toasted pumpkin seeds
13 - Maple syrup for drizzling
14 - Fresh thyme leaves

# How to Make It:

01 - Set oven to 400°F and allow to fully preheat.
02 - Arrange butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
03 - Roast for 30 to 35 minutes until tender and caramelized, turning once halfway through cooking.
04 - In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
05 - Add roasted squash to the pot along with vegetable broth, water, maple syrup, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
07 - Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, work in batches with a countertop blender.
08 - Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
09 - Warm soup gently over low heat without allowing it to boil.
10 - Ladle soup into bowls and top with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh thyme leaves if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The maple syrup acts like a secret bridge that connects the savory roasted squash to the warming spices.
  • Roasting the cubes instead of boiling them creates a caramelized depth that you just cannot get from a pot alone.
02 -
  • The squash must be truly tender before it leaves the oven or you will end up with a grainy texture.
  • I learned that adding the cream at the very end prevents it from curdling or losing its fresh taste.
03 -
  • Toasting the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan for two minutes adds a crunch that takes the texture to another level.
  • A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar right at the end can brighten the whole pot if it feels too heavy.
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