Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the butternut squash, cut off the ends, and then dice it into roughly 1-inch cubes.
- Toss the squash cubes with olive oil, making sure they are evenly coated, then spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the squash in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until they are golden and caramelized around the edges. The house will fill with a sweet, toasty aroma.
- While the squash roasts, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add the smoked paprika to the garlic and stir for 30 seconds to release its smoky aroma.
- Once the squash has cooled slightly, add it to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and velvety. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and puree until creamy, then return to the pot.
- Stir in the coconut milk for extra richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for balance.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with toasted nuts or herbs for a crunchy contrast and added aroma.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the comforting warmth and smooth, caramelized flavor of the soup.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices. To enrich the flavor, stir in a splash of cream or more coconut milk before serving. Toast nuts in a dry skillet for extra crunch and aroma.