Ingredients and Weight:
- Butternut Squash: 500 grams (1 pound)
- Carrots: 200 grams (about 2 medium)
- Celery: 100 grams (1 small stalk)
- Onion: 150 grams (1 medium)
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Chicken broth: 2 liters
- Fresh thyme: 1 sprig
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Cream or milk: 200 ml (optional)
Preparation Time: 45 minutes (including prep and cooking time)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Peel and dice the butternut squash into small cubes.
- Peel and slice the carrots into rounds.
- Clean and dice the celery.
- Peel and slice the onion into quarters.
- In a large pot, combine all the vegetables and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Optional: Stir in cream or milk for a richer texture. Adjust thickness with more broth if desired.
- Serve hot, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving (depending on the addition of cream or milk)
Fat: 5-10g
Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Protein: 5-7g
Fiber: 4-5g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich in flavor, with a sweet and savory combination from the butternut squash and other vegetables.
- Full of natural goodness, providing a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
- Can be served as a starter or a light meal, paired with bread or salad.
User Comments:
- "This soup is so creamy and delicious! Love the combination of flavors."
- "I added a bit of chili powder for a kick of heat, which went really well with the sweet butternut squash."
- "This is a great way to sneak more veggies into my family's diet. They love the soup!"
- "I used low-fat milk instead of cream for a lighter version, still very tasty."
- "A wonderful dish to start the meal. The flavors blend so nicely together."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to peel and clean all vegetables thoroughly for best results.
- Adjust seasoning, including salt and pepper, according to your preference.
- If you want a smoother soup, you can puree it using a blender or immersion blender after cooking.
- This soup pairs well with a variety of dishes, especially those with a rich flavor profile like roasted meats or seafood.
