Description
Hearty butternut squash and sausage soup delivers comfort in each spoonful, blending rustic Italian flavors with seasonal warmth. Savory sausage and sweet squash create a luxurious balance that invites comfort and satisfaction at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 (2-3 lb) (907–1361 grams) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (optional, for a creamier soup)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm extra virgin olive oil in a spacious Dutch oven over moderate temperature, creating a fragrant cooking environment.
- Introduce crumbled sausage into the pot, browning thoroughly and separating meat into delicate pieces. Extract the sausage using a perforated utensil and reserve on a nearby plate.
- Within the same culinary vessel, sauté diced onions until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and allow aromatics to release their essence for roughly 30 seconds.
- Tumble cubed butternut squash into the pot, accompanied by rich chicken broth, earthy thyme, warm nutmeg, and appropriate seasoning. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a robust boil.
- Reduce flame to low, secure pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow ingredients to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring squash becomes fork-tender.
- Transform soup’s texture using an immersion blender, creating a silky, uniform consistency. Alternatively, cautiously transfer contents to a standard blender, processing in measured batches.
- Reintroduce previously cooked sausage into the velvety mixture, streaming in luxurious heavy cream. Gently warm the soup, allowing flavors to harmonize for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Conduct a final taste assessment, calibrating seasonings to personal preference with subtle salt and pepper adjustments.
- Ladle the aromatic soup into awaiting bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Choose mild Italian sausage for a balanced flavor that complements the sweet butternut squash without overpowering it.
- Roast the butternut squash beforehand to intensify its natural sweetness and add depth to the soup’s overall taste profile.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
- Ensure proper squash cutting by first stabilizing it on a cutting board and using a sharp chef’s knife to prevent slipping and potential injuries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg