Spicy Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 lbs (907 g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb (453 g) carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (946 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30-35 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the butternut squash, carrots, cumin, coriander, thyme, cayenne pepper, vegetable broth, and salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Remove from heat and puree the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth.
5. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat until warmed through.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Protein: 5 g

Dish Characteristics:

• Smooth and creamy
• Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy
• Comforting and satisfying

User Comments:

• "This soup is so delicious and comforting! The butternut squash and carrots make it sweet and creamy, while the spices give it a nice kick."
• "I love the vibrant orange color of this soup. It's so inviting and perfect for a cold winter day."
• "This is one of my favorite soups ever! It's so easy to make and always turns out perfectly."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have an immersion blender, you can puree the soup in a regular blender in batches. Be careful not to overfill the blender, as hot liquid can expand and cause the lid to pop off.
• For a milder soup, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth.
• This soup is gluten-free if you use gluten-free vegetable broth and heavy cream.