Warm up with this hearty and flavorful winter vegetable soup, packed with tender butternut squash, cauliflower, and a medley of other vegetables. Perfect for cozy nights in or chilly days.
**Winter Vegetable Soup with Butternut Squash and Cauliflower: A Warm and Comforting Dish**
**Introduction**
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, a warm and comforting bowl of soup can be a welcome respite from the cold. This winter vegetable soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect meal for a chilly day.
**Ingredients**
– 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
– 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 4 cups)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 onions, chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
**Instructions**
1. **Prepare the vegetables:** Peel and cube the butternut squash. Chop the cauliflower into florets. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
2. **Sauté the vegetables:** In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
3. **Add garlic and spices:** Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release the aromas.
4. **Add butternut squash and cauliflower:** Add the cubed butternut squash and chopped cauliflower to the pot and stir to combine.
5. **Add vegetable broth:** Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the squash and cauliflower are tender.
6. **Puree the soup (optional):** If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender and puree until smooth.
7. **Stir in parsley:** Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
8. **Serve warm:** Serve the winter vegetable soup while it’s still warm.
**Tips**
– For a richer flavor, use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
– Add cooked chicken or beef to the soup for some extra protein.
– If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley instead.
– Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
**Nutritional Value**
This winter vegetable soup is a nutritious meal that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. One serving contains:
– Calories: 200
– Fat: 4 grams
– Carbohydrates: 30 grams
– Protein: 5 grams
– Fiber: 5 grams
– Vitamin A: 30% of the daily recommended value
– Vitamin C: 20% of the daily recommended value
– Potassium: 15% of the daily recommended value
**Conclusion**
This winter vegetable soup is a delicious and nutritious way to warm up on a cold day. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and loaded with essential nutrients. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, a main course, or a comforting side dish, this soup is sure to please everyone.
