October 19, 2022

Maple Bourbon Butternut Squash Soup

Written by Bruce and Dina Miller in Featured, soup, weeknight meals

As the leaves turn fiery shades and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of maple bourbon butternut squash soup to make us feel all snug and cozy.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This hearty soup is like a hug in a bowl, combining the sweetness of maple syrup, the earthy goodness of butternut squash, and a touch of smoky bourbon. It’s a tasty adventure for your taste buds, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little warmth in your belly.

Join us as we explore the world of this amazing soup, from its humble origins to the simple ingredients that make it so scrumptious. We’ll guide you through the easy steps to whip up a batch of this comforting goodness in your own kitchen. So, grab your apron and get ready to savor the essence of fall in every spoonful!

2 butternut squashes sliced in half and seeds removed

Butternut Squash: Super Hero

Butternut squash is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that provides a variety of essential nutrients. Here are some nutritional facts about butternut squash, based on a 1-cup (approximately 205 grams) serving of cooked, mashed butternut squash:

Calories: Butternut squash is relatively low in calories, providing about 82 calories per cup.

Carbohydrates: A 1-cup serving contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy.

Fiber: Butternut squash is rich in dietary fiber, with around 7 grams per serving. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help keep you feeling full.

Vitamins:
– Vitamin A: Butternut squash is exceptionally high in vitamin A, with more than 450% of the daily recommended intake in a single cup. Vitamin A is essential for eye health and immune function.
– Vitamin C: It also contains a moderate amount of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.
– Vitamin E: Butternut squash provides a small amount of vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties.

Minerals:
– Potassium: It’s a good source of potassium, with around 582 milligrams per cup, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function.
– Manganese: Butternut squash contains manganese, an essential mineral for various enzymatic processes in the body.
– Magnesium: It provides a small amount of magnesium, which is essential for muscle and nerve function.

Antioxidants: Butternut squash is rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Low in Fat: It is naturally low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Low in Sodium: Butternut squash is naturally low in sodium, which is good for those watching their salt intake.

Gluten-Free: Butternut squash is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Nutrient Density: Butternut squash is considered a nutrient-dense food because it provides a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber with relatively few calories.

Including butternut squash in your diet can be a healthy choice, as it offers a wide range of essential nutrients and is versatile in various dishes, such as soups, roasted vegetables, and purees.

Adding a simple twist to your fall meals is as easy as it gets, thanks to our trusty butternut squash. This veggie is like a fall superhero, and here’s why: it doesn’t spoil quickly like many other fresh veggies. In fact, it can hang around in your kitchen for weeks without turning into mush. That’s why it’s our all-time favorite autumn vegetable!

Now, when you team up butternut squash with a touch of rosemary or sage, you’ve got yourself a winner – Maple Bourbon Butternut Squash Soup. This delicious soup is perfect for cozy fall dinners. And here’s a neat trick: while you’re roasting one squash, roast another and freeze it. That way, you can whip up a quick batch of soup whenever you feel like it later in the month!

But that’s not all – butternut squash is not only long-lasting and tasty but also super good for you. It’s a low-calorie veggie packed with nutrients and vitamins A and C. So, don’t be surprised if we introduce another mouthwatering dish featuring this little gem soon. Trust us; you won’t want to miss out on the goodness!

Ingredients for Maple Bourbon Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash: This forms the hearty base of the soup, providing a creamy texture and sweet, nutty flavor when roasted.

Ancho Chili Powder: This spice infuses a mild, smoky heat that complements the sweetness of the squash and the maple syrup.

Garlic Powder: It contributes a savory, garlicky note that balances the other flavors in the soup.

Smoked Paprika: Adds a rich, smoky depth to the dish, elevating its overall taste.

Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavors and ensuring a well-balanced taste.

Rosemary: These aromatic herbs provide a fragrant, earthy element to the roasted butternut squash.

Walnuts: When roasted and spiced, walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.

Spray Oil: Used for roasting, it ensures even toasting of the walnuts without excessive greasiness.

Cayenne Pepper:This spice adds a kick of heat to the walnuts, creating a delightful spicy crunch.

Fresh Cracked Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the walnuts, complementing the soup’s smoky and sweet notes.

Sea Salt:Adds a burst of salty goodness, balancing the spice and creating a satisfying snack.

Onion: Provides a savory, aromatic base for the soup, enhancing its overall depth of flavor.

Garlic: Shredded garlic cloves infuse the soup with a bold, slightly spicy taste, adding complexity.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, it contributes a pleasant richness to the soup.

Bourbon:The bourbon imparts a warm, smoky depth to the soup, creating a delightful balance with the sweetness of the maple syrup.

Vegetable Stock: The base of the soup, it adds liquid and a hearty, savory flavor to the dish.

Maple Syrup: Infuses the soup with a sweet, rich flavor, harmonizing perfectly with the roasted butternut squash.

Chipotle Paste: Or hot sauce adds a smoky, spicy kick, giving the soup a tantalizing edge.

Roasted Garlic Bouillon or Vegetable Bouillon Paste:This seasoning adds depth and a savory umami flavor to the soup.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the full range of flavors in the soup.

Half and Half: For those who want an extra creamy finish, it can be added for richness.

Instructions

Instructions for roasting butternut squash:

First, prepare coals, or pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Next, cut squash in half longwise with a very sharp knife or cleaver. Remove seeds and membranes. Place cut side up on a sheet pan.
Now, drizzle olive oil over the top of each squash, covering all of the cut surface. Mix spices together & sprinkle over the squash. Lay a few twigs of rosemary over the top.
Bake for 40-60 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a fork, looking for softness. If smoking, or using a grill, use indirect heat.
Lastly, allow to cool, and then scrape the butternut out, and place in a container to store, if making soup the next day.

Instructions for roasting walnuts:

First, pre-heat oven to 400 F. Spray a sheet pan with oil.
Next, scatter walnuts onto sheet pan. Now, spray of the tops of walnuts lightly with oil.
Lastly, season with salt, pepper, and cayenne or smoked paprika.
Bake for 5 minutes, turning, bake for another 5. Remove from pan, and cool.

Instructions for preparing butternut squash soup:

Heat up olive oil in a Dutch oven, or heavy soup pot. Sautee onions, stirring with a wooden spoon for a few minutes. Add garlic, and continue to stir and break up garlic, watching for a light golden color.
De-glaze the onions by adding in bourbon. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits.
Time to add in the butternut squash. Allow squash to mix in and slightly warm.
Next , pour in vegetable stock. Stir to distribute ingredients.
Add maple, chipotle, and bouillon, and taste. Then season with salt and pepper. At this point, you can use an immersion blender to make smooth, or put into a blender for a few pulses, then back into the pot.
Finally, right before serving, stir in cream, just enough to warm. Serve soup with sage leaves and walnuts.