There is a soup I love here in New York made with a creamy butternut squash and fresh sage. It’s made by a swanky little boutique grocery store in my neighborhood. I think part of the fascination I have with this soup is it’s fancy container. It’s nice to open and has pretty handwriting. Butternut squash soup is usually pretty rich thanks to the whole milk and rich cream base–and as an occasional treat, I don’t mind it. But this week I was inspired to make a dairy-free version that is a little lighter but still packed with flavor. I love this lighter soup on its own served with a big salad and a warm piece of bread. It’s also wonderful served over a scoop of protein-rich quinoa. It’s become a clean eating favorite of mine in this new year.
Butternut Squash and Sage Soup
This soup reheats beautifully, just toss it into a saucepan with a splash of milk.
Serving Size: 4 (245 calories per serving)
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, roasted, peeled
3 sprigs fresh sage, stems removed
3-4 cups milk (I used an almond milk)
1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
pinch sea salt, pepper
1/4 cup hazelnuts
Better-for-you ingredients
Learn more about the better-for-you ingredients in this recipe:
- Butternut Squash – Winter squash, including butternut squash, is a good source of fiber and is especially rich in beta-carotene (which your body automatically converts to vitamin A). Vitamin A helps to support strong, healthy vision and has been identified as a deterrent against age-related macular degeneration. Learn more about this power food here.
Directions
Slice butternut squash lengthwise, remove seeds and place face down on a baking sheet for 25 – 30 minutes in a 400F degree oven. Remove when the squash is fork tender.
Toast hazelnuts in a small, dry skillet over medium heat until just brown. Set aside.
In the same skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil and sage leaves. Let the sage leaves and oil toast up for ~ 2-3 minutes. When the sage leaves start to look slightly translucent turn off the heat.
Working in batches, purée the roasted squash with sage, hazelnuts and almond milk in a blender or food processor until smooth. Keep a few hazelnuts aside for garnish. (Note: With a larger butternut squash, I recommend using four cups of almond milk for a super smooth consistency.)
Divide soup between four bowls and garnish with few toasty hazelnuts over the top. Enjoy!
