Description
This Creamy Maple Dijon Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is a comforting and flavorful autumnal soup featuring roasted butternut squash caramelized to perfection, blended into a silky base enhanced with sweet maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, and a touch of cream. Crispy pancetta adds a salty crunch, making this soup a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and creamy elements, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Roasted Butternut Squash
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, a pinch
Sautéed Pancetta
- 4 ounces pancetta, diced
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (additional, as needed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 cups (32 fl oz) chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup (4 fl oz) heavy cream or coconut cream (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh thyme or parsley
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through, until the squash is golden, tender, and caramelized on the edges.
- Cook the Pancetta: While the squash is roasting, dice the pancetta. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and cook the pancetta until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the rendered fat in the pan for added flavor.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add a splash of olive oil if needed and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Roasted Squash and Broth: Add the roasted butternut squash to the pot with the onion and garlic. Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season the Soup: Stir in 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Puree the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it reaches a creamy and velvety texture. Alternatively, carefully blend the soup in batches using a regular blender and return it to the pot afterwards.
- Add Cream: Stir in ½ cup (4 fl oz) of heavy cream or coconut cream for a richer texture. Warm the soup gently but avoid boiling to prevent curdling of the cream.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with the crispy pancetta. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve the soup warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the pancetta and use coconut cream along with vegetable broth.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or add more roasted squash.
- Maple syrup can be adjusted to taste depending on your sweetness preference.
- Be careful not to boil the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American