Squash Soup with Ginger and Lime
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this squash soup, enhanced with zesty ginger and a hint of lime. Perfect for chilly days!
This squash soup is a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your soul. The ginger adds a spicy kick, while the lime brings a refreshing brightness to the dish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Warm and comforting with a hint of spice
- Brightened by fresh lime zest
- Healthy and satisfying for any meal
The Benefits of Squash Soup
Squash soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function. The addition of ginger provides anti-inflammatory properties, making this soup a comforting option for those feeling under the weather. Enjoying a bowl of this soup can help boost your overall health while satisfying your taste buds.
Furthermore, this soup is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help keep you feeling full longer. This makes it a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner. With its creamy texture and vibrant flavor, you won't miss the heavy cream often found in traditional soups, making it a heart-healthy alternative.
Perfect Pairings
This squash soup pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Consider serving it with crusty whole-grain bread or a side salad topped with nuts and seeds for added crunch and nutrition. A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds or a dollop of yogurt can enhance the flavors and add a delightful texture, making your meal even more satisfying.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha can elevate the soup's flavor profile. You might also consider pairing it with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the soup's earthy tones beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, storing your squash soup is easy. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The soup can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When freezing, make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup may expand.
To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Enjoying this soup is just as delightful the next day!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gather all ingredients before starting the cooking process.
Instructions
Prepare the Squash
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the squash is tender.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.
Finish with Lime
Stir in the lime juice and zest, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra lime zest if desired.
Enjoy your delicious squash soup!
Nutritional Information
One serving of this squash soup is low in calories while being high in essential nutrients. With its combination of vegetables and spices, it offers a balanced profile of macronutrients, including healthy carbohydrates and a small amount of protein. It's a great option for those following a plant-based diet or anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals.
Additionally, the fiber content in butternut squash helps support digestive health, making this soup a smart choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy gut. It’s an excellent meal prep option, as it can be made in large batches and enjoyed throughout the week.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can easily adapt this squash soup by incorporating other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Experimenting with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary can also bring a unique twist to the classic recipe.
For a creamy version without dairy, consider adding coconut milk or cashew cream, which will complement the ginger and lime beautifully. You can also make it a heartier meal by adding cooked lentils or beans, transforming it into a filling dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of squash?
Yes, you can use acorn squash or pumpkin as a substitute.
→ Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses vegetable broth.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Squash Soup with Ginger and Lime
Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this squash soup, enhanced with zesty ginger and a hint of lime. Perfect for chilly days!
Created by: Aubrey Whitman
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the squash is tender.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.
Stir in the lime juice and zest, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra lime zest if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 4g