Butternut Squash Soup

This comforting butternut squash soup also happens to be vegan, and is the perfect palate cleanser for when you’ve been overindulging a bit too much. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and easy to make (using frozen butternut squash is a huge time saver!).

6
2 tablespoons Natural Grocers® Brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium organic white onion, diced
3 organic garlic cloves, minced
1 (2-inch) piece organic ginger, peeled and chopped
3 (10-ounce) bags frozen organic butternut squash
4 cups organic vegetable broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can Natural Grocers Brand Organic Original Coconut Milk
Natural Grocers Brand Bulk seasonings
1⁄2 teaspoon Organic Oregano
1⁄2 teaspoon organic basil
1 1⁄2 teaspoons Real Salt, (or to taste)
1⁄2 teaspoon Ground Organic Black Pepper
Optional toppings
plain vegan yogurt to drizzle over soup
fresh organic lime juice
Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Coconut Flakes, toasted
Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Raw or Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

1. Add the olive oil to a large soup pot over medium heat; swirl to coat the pot. When hot, add the diced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent, 5-7 minutes. 

2. Add the garlic and ginger, stir to combine, and continue cooking for a minute or two until the garlic is fragrant. 

3. Add the butternut squash, broth, coconut milk, and the seasonings. Stir until well combined, cover, bring to a boil, and immediately reduce to a simmer. Move the lid to partially cover, and let simmer for 12 minutes. 

4. If using toasted coconut flakes to top the soup, heat a skillet over medium heat, add the coconut, and stir constantly for 1 minute. Turn the heat off and continue stirring for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use. Note: Watch carefully and stir constantly to prevent coconut from burning. 

5. Use a hand-held immersion blender to purée the soup or transfer the soup to a blender, working in batches. Fill the blender no more than halfway full; when blending hot liquid, remove the center piece from the blender lid, and place a folded dishtowel over the opening. Turn the blender on the lowest setting and work your way up to blend until smooth, using caution to avoid splashing. Pour back into the soup pot and transfer more to the blender repeating the process until the soup is puréed.  

6. Taste the soup and add extra salt if needed. Divide evenly among six soup bowls. Drizzle each with yogurt or a squeeze of lime juice; top with a sprinkle of coconut flakes and/or pumpkin seeds and serve immediately. Try serving it with toasted bread slathered in butter or Natural Grocers Brand Organic Plant Based Buttery Spread. 

per one serving

Calories Carbohydrates Protein Fat Fiber
322 kcal 27 g 3 g 21 g 2 g

Recommended Beverage: Wine

Recommended Style: Chardonnay

Recommended Brand: Frey Sun and Rain Organic Chardonnay