This vegan butternut squash soup is irresistibly creamy and flavorful. The spiced pepitas are positively crave-worthy.
"Crazy runners. What are they thinking?!" It's clearly written on the drivers' faces as they pass by my running partner and I when we venture out on mornings when the thermometer reads 9 degrees F.
We layer up well, as I talked about in Running in Cold Weather: My Tips & Tricks, but still come back with frozen hair and eyelashes (yeah, remember that picture from last year's running adventures?) We may be a little crazy, but there is no better way to start the day than with a good sweat.
On those chilly running days, I crave hot foods all day long: scrambled eggs, soups, stews...hot toddies. If it's hot, I consume it.
This butternut squash soup is not only warming and rich in flavor, but it happens to be vegan, gluten-free, low-fat and packed with vitamins. The spiced pepitas are like savory candy - you won't be able to stop eating them. Pepitas can be found in the bulk food section of most well-stocked supermarkets.
Low-Fat Butternut Squash Soup Recipe with Spiced Pepitas
Ingredients
The Soup:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 medium Gala apple cored and chopped
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- 5 cups cubed butternut squash about 2-¼ pounds
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons minced cilantro
The Pepitas:
- â…“ cup pepitas
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
The Soup:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan set over medium heat.
- Add the onion, apple, carrot and celery to the saucepan and cook until the vegetables are starting to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cumin, and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in the butternut squash and broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the butternut squash is tender, about 30 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Using an immersion blender, a regular blender or a food processor, puree the soup until it is smooth. Serve. Garnish each helping with spiced pepitas and cilantro.
The Pepitas:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, toss the pepitas, olive oil, paprika, cumin and salt. Spread the coated pepitas on a baking sheet.
- Bake until the pepitas are golden brown, about 5 minutes, stirring once. Watch carefully so the pepitas do not burn.
Nutrition
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Grace Piscitelli
This is by far my new favorite Butternut Squash Soup recipe. It was creamy and sweet with the nutty saltiness of pepitas making it perfect! It's a keeper!
jenni
This was excellent! Thank you!
Dara
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Jenni!
Nutmeg Nanny
I can't resist butternut squash soup 🙂 this recipe is perfect!
martha@ simple nourished living
This butternut squash soup looks amazing! I've bookmarked it to try soon. And I know just what I'm going to do with the container of raw pepitas in my freezer. Thanks for the tasty inspiration.
Aimee @ Simple Bites
My kind of soup, Dara!
I haven't been out running, but Clara *loves* her daily ride in the sled, and that is a good workout, let me tell you.
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
It's been so chilly in Austin and I've wanted nothing more than butternut squash soup lately! This is perfect, Dara. A must-make on my list for sure.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I always have spiced pepitas on hand - perfect of butternut squash soup. I'm on my way to check out your recipe, Dara, but have to say you've really motivated me to get my butt to the gym....
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
I love getting crazy looks from passerby when I'm running on super cold/hot/rainy days!
Great soup, Dara!
Aggie
I gotta give it to you all in the non-FL states...I have my seat warmer on in my car at 50 degrees this morning lol. I don't know how you do it!!!
This bowl of soup would warm up your bones though, it looks delicious and so good for you! I LOVE the addition of the pepitas!
Tieghan
I have been hiking in negative temperature every morning for the last week and half, so I totally know what you mean! But I have to start my day with a hike or I am totally out of sorts!
This soup look so great! I love butternut squash anything!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Definitely trying this - it sounds great!