There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a delicious fall recipe when the cooler seasons roll in. This Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup Recipe is special to me. The rich Italian sausage and sweet butternut squash mix perfectly.
Sharing a hearty bowl with loved ones is what makes it special. Every spoonful reminds me of cozy family dinners. Conversations flowed as freely as the soup in our bowls.
This recipe has become a cherished favorite. I am thrilled to share it with you. Whether for a family meal or meal prepping, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Introduction to My Favorite Soup Recipe
This Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup is my top pick. It’s inspired by Tuscan Chicken and has sweet and savory flavors. It’s rich in Italian spices and creamy, making it a comforting meal all year.
Butternut squash is the main ingredient. It adds natural sweetness and pairs well with hearty sausage. This makes the soup taste great.
Why I Love This Soup
I love this butternut squash soup because it’s tasty and healthy. It has sausage, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, and garlic. These ingredients make it delicious and good for you.
The broth, coconut milk, and Italian seasoning make it rich and savory. You can also add diced pumpkin, chopped leeks, and parsley for more flavor.
Perfect for Any Season
This soup is great for any time of the year. In winter, it’s warm and cozy. In warmer months, it’s refreshing when chilled.
It’s perfect for a cold night or a sunny day. This butternut squash recipe is a favorite all year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this healthy comfort food, you need fresh ingredients, quality meats, and spices. These will make your meal tasty and fulfilling.
Fresh Produce
You’ll need 2 pounds of diced butternut squash for this soup. It adds a sweet and nutty taste. Also, 6 large kale leaves (about 4 cups) are great for nutrition.
A medium onion and 6 cloves of garlic are key. They give the soup a strong and hearty flavor.
Choice of Sausage
The recipe asks for 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage. You can pick spicy or mild, or mix both for a bit of spice.
Seasonings and Spices
To make the flavors pop, you’ll need 1 cup of heavy whipping cream or unsweetened coconut cream. Also, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or tapioca starch for thickness.
For seasonings, use 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and Italian seasoning. Add ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey for sweetness.
Finally, ¼ cup of Parmesan or Asiago cheese adds a creamy touch.
With these ingredients, you’re set to make a tasty and easy soup that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this easy homemade soup is simple. It only takes 35 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner.
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by getting your ingredients ready. Cut one medium onion and mince four cloves of garlic. Cut 1.5 lbs of butternut squash into cubes.
Dice two medium apples for sweetness. Slice two carrots and chop five cups of Green or Savoy cabbage. These ingredients make a great base for the soup.
Cooking the Sausage
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground Italian sausage. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes.
This adds flavor to our butternut squash recipe. Remove the cooked sausage from the pot. Leave the tasty drippings behind.
Adding the Vegetables
Keep the sausage drippings in the pot. Add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until they’re translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of pepper. Then, add cubed butternut squash, diced apples, sliced carrots, and chopped cabbage. Pour in four cups of chicken broth, one can of light coconut milk, and one crushed bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, until the squash is tender.
After cooking, add the sausage back into the pot. Let it all mix together for a few minutes. Top with heavy cream and parsley sprigs for a nice finish. Serve warm and add grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Results
To make the perfect hearty winter soup, you need to know how to cook. You have to choose between sautéing and boiling. Let’s look at these methods to make sure your soup is always tasty.
Sautéing vs. Boiling
Sautéing ingredients like sausage and onions before adding them to the soup makes it taste better. The caramelization adds a rich flavor that boiling can’t match. Boiling is quicker but might not taste as complex.
How to Achieve the Right Texture
For the right texture, simmer the soup gently. This makes the squash tender but keeps it chunky. If you want it smoother, blend some and mix it back in.
Using fresh garlic and choosing between butter or olive oil adds to the soup’s taste. Seasonings like thyme and cinnamon make it even better.
Tips for Customizing Your Soup
This savory soup recipe is super easy to make your own. You can add more greens or change the heat level. It’s simple to make this hearty winter soup your own.
Add Your Favorite Vegetables
Want to add more veggies to your meals? Try adding sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash. Spinach or kale can also add nutrients and texture to your soup. This way, every bowl is full of flavors and nutrients just for you.
Spicy vs. Mild Sausage Options
The type of sausage you choose can change the soup’s flavor a lot. Spicy Italian sausage adds a fiery kick, great for a hearty winter soup. Mild Italian sausage is good if you like a milder taste but still want strong flavor. You can pick the sausage that suits your taste best.
How to Serve Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup
Serving this chunky butternut squash sausage soup is joyful. It’s full of rich flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s one of my favorite easy homemade soups.
Discovering how to enhance it makes it even more delightful. There are many soup serving suggestions for a complete meal.
Best Toppings to Consider
I love adding a dollop of cream on top. Heavy whipping cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option is great. It adds a luscious touch.
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can heighten the flavors. A sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese never disappoints.
Recommended Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or flaky biscuits. They soak up all the delightful flavors.
A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness. For a sweet treat, try sorbet or fruit tarts.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
Enjoying a hearty winter soup like Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup is always fun. But sometimes, we have leftovers to deal with. Storing soup right keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal. Here are my top tips for storing and reheating soup so you can enjoy every last drop.
How to Properly Store
To keep your Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Put the soup in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it safe to eat. You should eat the soup in the fridge within 4-5 days.
If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave room for expansion. This prevents spills.
Reheating Best Practices
Reheating soup brings back its delicious taste. For the best taste, gently reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often until it’s hot.
This keeps the soup’s texture and taste good. You can also microwave it. Put it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot. Cover the bowl to avoid splatters. For those who love a hearty winter soup, these tips will make your leftovers as comforting as ever.
Nutritional Information Overview
Digging into a bowl of Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup is a treat. It’s also a commitment to healthy comfort food. Knowing the nutritional information is key for a balanced diet.
Caloric Content
Each serving of this soup is packed with nutrients. It has about 463 calories. It also has 22.4 grams of fat, 9.2 grams of protein, and 7.4 grams of net carbs.
This mix keeps you full and happy. Plus, it’s great for those on the keto diet.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
The soup’s ingredients, like butternut squash and kale, are super healthy. Butternut squash is full of vitamins A and C. It has 13.57 grams of net carbs per cup.
Each serving of the soup gives you 8.8 grams of carbs and 1.4 grams of fiber. Kale adds fiber and iron. This soup is good for your heart and health.
This soup is zero weight watcher points. Toppings add a few points. Pairing it with a turkey sandwich adds about 330 calories. This makes for a tasty and healthy meal.
Exploring Flavor Pairings
Making a tasty fall recipe like chunky butternut squash sausage soup is more than just the soup. It’s about the whole experience. This includes the sides and drinks that go well with it. We’ll look at great flavor pairings to make your soup even better.
Complementary Bread Choices
Choosing the right bread for your butternut squash sausage soup is key. I love serving crusty sourdough and soft Parmesan dinner rolls. The sourdough’s tanginess contrasts well with the soup’s richness. The Parmesan rolls add a cheesy touch that’s easy to love.
Ideal Beverage Pairings
For drinks, a light red wine like Pinot Noir is perfect. It’s fruity but not too heavy. If you prefer something without alcohol, try a crisp apple cider. Both drinks are great with the soup’s creamy texture. They make a perfect pair for your fall recipe. Cheers to great pairings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common soup FAQs and tips for making the perfect Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup. Whether you need guidance on vegetarian soup options or cooking tips to achieve the perfect texture, I’ve got you covered.
Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, swap out the sausage for a plant-based alternative. Use a hearty tofu sausage or a lentil-based substitute. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
This keeps it plant-based and ensures delicious vegetarian soup options without losing flavor.
How to Thicken the Soup
If you prefer a thicker soup, try a couple of tips. Mix cornstarch or tapioca starch with water and add it to the soup near the end. This thickens the soup without changing its taste.
You can also blend some of the soup and mix it back in. This gives a naturally thicker texture.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This savory soup recipe is now a favorite in my kitchen. It’s a mix of rich flavors and sweet butternut squash. Every bowl is full of nutrition and comfort.
My Personal Takeaways
Using local and seasonal ingredients made the flavors pop. The soup’s aroma and spice blend are unforgettable. It’s not just tasty, but also good for you.
Encouragement to Try It Out
I think everyone should try this soup. It’s easy to make and suits any season. For more dinner ideas, check out this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
Call to Action
I hope you enjoyed this Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup recipe! Cooking at home is fun and rewarding. It’s even better when you share it with others.
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Your unique twist might inspire someone else’s meal!
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