Spicy Squash Soup Recipe

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Warm up with a bowl of this deliciously spicy squash soup, perfect for cool evenings.

Harper Collins

Created by

Harper Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-24T12:03:42.772Z

This spicy squash soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. The warm spices enhance the natural sweetness of the squash, making it a favorite during the fall season.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delightful blend of spices that warms you from the inside out
  • Creamy texture that comes from pureed squash
  • Perfectly balanced sweetness and heat for a comforting meal

A Comforting Choice for Any Occasion

Spicy squash soup is not just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl. The creamy texture of pureed butternut squash combined with the heat from spices creates a truly comforting dish that is perfect for chilly evenings. This soup can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a hearty main course, making it versatile enough for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, while the spices offer anti-inflammatory benefits. This makes the soup not only delicious but also nourishing for your body.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the standout features of this spicy squash soup is its adaptability. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used. Alternatively, for those who love an extra kick, feel free to add more heat or incorporate additional spices like smoked paprika or chili powder to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

You can also experiment with different toppings to enhance your soup experience. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for creaminess, or sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds for an added crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This spicy squash soup is ideal for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze individual portions for later use. This not only saves time during busy weekdays but also ensures you have a healthy, homemade meal ready whenever you need it.

When reheating, simply add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen the soup, as it may thicken in the refrigerator or freezer. This soup is a great option for quick lunches or cozy dinners, making it a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Gather all ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Squash and Spices

Add the diced butternut squash, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the squash with the spices and cook for about 5 minutes.

Simmer the Soup

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, be careful with the hot liquid.

Season and Serve

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your spicy squash soup warm, paired with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Butternut squash is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It's a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, and is packed with antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body. The vitamins found in butternut squash contribute to overall health, making this soup a nourishing choice for everyone.

The spices used in this soup, particularly cumin and coriander, are known for their health benefits as well. Cumin has been linked to improved digestion and may aid in weight loss, while coriander has anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower blood sugar levels.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your spicy squash soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. This combination not only adds texture to your meal but also complements the flavors of the soup beautifully. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

If you want to elevate your dining experience, consider pairing the soup with a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer. The refreshing beverage will balance the warmth of the spices and the creaminess of the soup, making for a delightful meal.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of squash?

Yes, you can use acorn squash or pumpkin as alternatives.

→ How can I make it vegan?

This recipe is already vegan! Just ensure your broth is vegetable-based.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Absolutely! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

You can increase or decrease the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Spicy Squash Soup Recipe

Warm up with a bowl of this deliciously spicy squash soup, perfect for cool evenings.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Harper Collins

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  6. 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  7. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  8. 4 cups vegetable broth
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
  10. Fresh cilantro for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 02

Add the diced butternut squash, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the squash with the spices and cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 03

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Step 04

Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, be careful with the hot liquid.

Step 05

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 4g