Warming from the inside out, a steaming bowlful of butternut soup is just what the doctor ordered, even when you’re feeling perfectly well. Roasting the squash caramelizes the natural sugars, bringing out a greater depth of flavor while enhancing the velvety texture once blended.
Vegan Gingered Butternut Squash Soup is a delicious and nutrient-dense dish that offers a variety of health benefits, making it a great addition to any plant-based diet.
Health Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash, the star of the soup, is packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, immune function, and skin vitality. This creamy, orange-hued vegetable is also a good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. The natural sweetness of butternut squash is balanced perfectly with the warming spice of ginger, which brings its own set of health benefits to the table.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for centuries to alleviate digestive discomfort. In the context of the soup, ginger can help soothe the digestive system, reduce bloating, and ease nausea. Its active compounds, such as gingerol, also promote healthy circulation, support the immune system, and may even reduce the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Incorporating ginger into a warm, comforting soup not only enhances the flavor but also provides a natural boost to your overall well-being.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, Vegan Gingered Butternut Squash Soup is not only a comforting and flavorful dish but also a healthful one. The mix of wholesome plant-based ingredients supports everything from digestive health to immune function, making it a perfect addition to your seasonal meal rotation.
Other whole food plant-based recipes you might like:
- Delightful Vegan Sweet Apple Curry
- Instant Pot Vegan Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
- Creamy Vegan White Bean Chili
- Vegan Autumn Squash Soup
- Spicy Thai Carrot Coconut Soup
Gingered Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
- 1 2 pound butternut squash
- 1 medium red onion diced
- 3 medium carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 medium pear cored and diced
- 2 inches fresh ginger peeled and minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes plus additional to garnish, if desired
- 2 cups plain unsweetened non-dairy milk plus additional to garnish, if desired
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro roughly torn or chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425℉ degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and stringy membrane; save to roast separately or compost. Place them with the cut sides down on the baking sheet. Roast for 45 – 50 minutes, or until fork-tender. Let stand until cool enough to handle.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium heat, add the onion, carrots, celery, pear, ginger, garlic, and a splash of the vegetable broth; just enough to prevent the vegetables from sticking. Sauté, stirring periodically, until the vegetables are tender, aromatic, and lightly browned, about 8 – 10 minutes.
- Scoop the roasted butternut squash out of the skin and directly into the pot, discarding or composting the skin. Add the miso, crushed red pepper flakes, remaining vegetable broth, and non-dairy milk, mixing gently to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches, or use an immersion blender in the pot, and blend until smooth, or leave part of the soup unblended for more texture. Pour into bowls and top with a drizzle of non-dairy milk and additional pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired, followed by fresh cilantro. Enjoy hot.
Notes
Nutrition
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Kim, I made your cashew cranberry and pistachio cheese ball this weekend. It is delicious!
I did notice that your instructions were unclear as to what to do with the other half of the cranberry orange jam and also the inclusion of the nutritional yeast was not mentioned in the directions.
I added the jam and NY into the blender with the cashews.
My cheese was very sticky and not firm at all. Even so, the combo of flavors was wonderful.
I made individual serving sized balls to give as Christmas gifts with Raincoast cranberry hazelnut crisps. Yummm!
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe. The other half of the cranberries are added in step 4 after blending the mixture. The nutritional yeast is added in step 3 along with the other ingredients.