Warm up this fall and winter with a comforting bowl of creamy butternut squash soup. This nutritious dish highlights the sweet, nutty flavors of butternut squash, enriched with aromatics like onion and garlic, and tailored to your taste with spices like thyme and cinnamon. Perfect for cozy evenings, this soup is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins A and C to support your health. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a light salad for a heartwarming meal.
1 medium butternut squash (approximately 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for a richer flavor)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Fresh parsley or roasted pumpkin seeds for garnish