Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for added creaminess)
• Garnish: Fresh parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Vegetables:
   • Peel, seed, and dice the butternut squash.
   • Chop the onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Butternut Squash:
   • Add the diced butternut squash to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Seasoning:
   • Season the vegetables with ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
5. Simmer:
   • Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the vegetables are submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Cook Until Tender:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the butternut squash is tender, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Blend the Soup:
   • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious, as the mixture will be hot.
8. Optional Creaminess:
   • Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk if you desire added creaminess. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed.
9. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt or pepper as necessary.
10. Serve:
    • Ladle the butternut squash soup into bowls.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of cream if desired.
11. Enjoy:
    • This Butternut Squash Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for warming up on chilly days. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking, and enjoy the rich and velvety texture of this classic butternut squash soup!