Squash Soup Slow Cooker
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Warm up with this delicious and creamy slow cooker squash soup, perfect for chilly days.
This squash soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that showcases the natural sweetness of squash. Perfect for fall and winter, it's made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture that's incredibly satisfying
- Rich flavors enhanced by herbs and spices
- Convenient one-pot meal with minimal cleanup
The Comfort of Squash Soup
As the weather cools down, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of squash soup to bring comfort and joy. This creamy concoction not only warms you from the inside out but also fills your home with a delightful aroma. The natural sweetness of butternut squash pairs beautifully with aromatic spices, making this soup a perfect choice for a cozy evening in.
Squash soup is not just comforting; it’s nutritious as well. Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health. When blended into a soup, these nutrients become easily digestible, making it an ideal dish for all ages. Plus, with the addition of garlic and onions, you’re also boosting your immune system with every spoonful.
Slow Cooker Convenience
One of the best features of this squash soup recipe is its convenience. Using a slow cooker allows you to prepare your ingredients and let them simmer away while you go about your day. This hands-off approach means you can return home to a ready meal, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Moreover, the slow cooking process enhances the flavors of the soup. As the ingredients meld together over hours, the result is a rich, deep flavor profile that is hard to achieve in a shorter cooking time. It’s the perfect method for those who appreciate the art of cooking without the fuss.
Customizing Your Soup
This squash soup recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cayenne pepper for an added kick. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more or less broth, depending on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner soup.
For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked grains such as quinoa or lentils, or even some sautéed greens. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also brings additional textures to the dish. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a staple that you can adapt throughout the seasons.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
- Chopped fresh herbs for garnish
Mix and match the ingredients to suit your taste!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and cubing the butternut squash. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Combine in Slow Cooker
Add the squash, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, ginger, and cinnamon into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the squash is tender.
Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.
Serve
Serve hot, drizzled with cream or coconut milk, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting squash soup!
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, this squash soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat for a quick, comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your squash soup experience, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or homemade croutons. The crunchy texture complements the creamy soup perfectly, providing a delightful contrast. You can even toast the bread with garlic butter for extra flavor.
For those who enjoy a little extra creaminess, drizzle some heavy cream or coconut milk on top right before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful visual element. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish, making it more appealing and flavorful.
Health Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals. High in fiber, it aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut. The vibrant orange color is a telltale sign of its high beta-carotene content, which is essential for eye health and helps boost your immune system.
Additionally, this winter squash is low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight while still enjoying a hearty meal. Incorporating butternut squash into your diet can also support heart health due to its potassium content, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen squash?
Yes, frozen squash can be used. Just ensure it is thawed before adding to the slow cooker.
→ How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
→ Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, just use vegetable broth and skip the cream for a vegan-friendly version.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Squash Soup Slow Cooker
Warm up with this delicious and creamy slow cooker squash soup, perfect for chilly days.
Created by: Autumn Pierce
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
- Chopped fresh herbs for garnish
How-To Steps
Start by peeling and cubing the butternut squash. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Add the squash, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, ginger, and cinnamon into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the squash is tender.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.
Serve hot, drizzled with cream or coconut milk, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 4g