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Acorn Squash Soup

Creamy Gordon Ramsay butternut squash soup in white bowl garnished with parsley and cream swirl

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This acorn squash soup is creamy, savory, and filled with flavors that can warm you up on chilly days. Made with simple and wholesome ingredients, this vegan recipe is easy to make and ready in about an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium acorn squash (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds, optional for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, optional for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise from stem and scoop out seeds.
  3. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil evenly over insides of squash, rubbing to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Place squash halves cut side up on baking sheet and bake 40 minutes or until fork-tender and lightly caramelized.
  5. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  6. Pour in vegetable broth and allow mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.
  7. Scoop flesh out of roasted acorn squash. If serving soup in shells for presentation, leave thin 1/4-inch layer of flesh attached. Add squash flesh to pot and cook 1 minute to blend flavors.
  8. Using handheld immersion blender or working in batches with regular blender, carefully blend mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until completely smooth. If using regular blender, remove vent lid and cover with thick towel to absorb steam.
  9. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Garnish with pumpkin seeds, red pepper flakes, and thyme if desired. Serve hot in bowls or in squash shells.

Notes

  • Blend thoroughly for 1 to 2 minutes for smooth, silky texture. Pass through fine-mesh strainer if needed for extra smoothness.
  • If acorn squash tastes slightly bitter (underripe), add 1 teaspoon honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to balance flavors.
  • For thicker soup, simmer uncovered to reduce or blend in 1/2 to 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato or additional roasted squash.
  • Ripe acorn squash should have hard skin with no soft spots and sound hollow when tapped.
  • Vegetable broth sodium varies by brand. Taste before serving and add more salt if needed.
  • For slow cooker: Peel and chop squash into 1-inch cubes. Add with vegetables and broth. Cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours, then blend smooth.

Nutrition