Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Thyme Recipe
A creamy and comforting butternut squash soup that combines roasted flavors with a hint of sweetness and aromatic herbs. Made with simple ingredients and finished with a touch of heavy cream and fresh thyme, this soup is perfect for cozy meals and can be customized with curry powder for a delightful twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2½ pounds pre-cut butternut squash (7 to 8 cups, cubed)
- 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
Liquids & Seasoning
- 7 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon curry powder for a different flavor profile)
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the vegetables: Combine the butternut squash, red bell pepper, yellow onion, garlic, water, salt, and sugar in a large soup pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 35 minutes until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Blend the soup until smooth: Using a hand-held immersion blender, purée the soup directly in the pot until it achieves a silky smooth texture. Alternatively, allow the soup to cool slightly, then transfer it in batches to a blender. Puree carefully with the lid vented to let steam escape, preventing pressure buildup.
- Finish the soup with cream and herbs: Stir the heavy cream into the puréed soup and return it to a gentle simmer. Mix in the fresh chopped thyme or, if preferred, curry powder for a unique flavor twist. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding a bit more sugar if the vegetables are not sweet enough to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the finished soup into bowls and optionally drizzle with additional heavy cream for extra richness. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth.
Notes
- Using pre-cut butternut squash saves preparation time, but if using whole squash, peel and cube before cooking.
- The red bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Fresh thyme provides a classic flavor, but substituting curry powder creates an interesting and flavorful variation.
- Simming the soup gently prevents scorching and helps flavors meld.
- The sugar helps balance the natural earthiness of the squash and should be adjusted to taste.
- For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
