Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s nourishing, full of vitamins, and can be prepared in no time, even for those with minimal cooking experience.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup

Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup is a straightforward, no-fuss recipe that uses minimal ingredients to create a smooth, velvety, and slightly sweet soup. It’s ideal for autumn and winter, especially when squash is in season, and the recipe allows the earthy flavors of the squash to shine through. The simplicity of the dish means it’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also an accessible option for busy home cooks who still want to create something wholesome and hearty.

Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

For Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup, you will need the following:

• 1 butternut squash – peeled, deseeded, and chopped into cubes.
• 1 onion – peeled and chopped.
• 2 cloves of garlic – peeled and finely chopped.
• 1 carrot – peeled and chopped.
• 1 stick of celery – chopped.
• 1 liter of vegetable stock – for a lighter, vegetarian version.
• Olive oil – to sauté the vegetables.
• Salt and pepper – to taste.
• Optional garnishes – such as a dollop of crème fraîche, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

Equipment Needed

The equipment required for Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup is fairly basic and doesn’t require any specialized kitchen tools:

• Large saucepan or pot – to cook the vegetables and soup.
• Knife and chopping board – for prepping the vegetables.
• Blender or immersion blender – to puree the soup into a smooth texture.
• Ladle – to serve the soup.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup?

1. Prep the Vegetables: Start by peeling and chopping the butternut squash, carrot, onion, and celery into small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat a little olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
3. Add the Squash: Once the onions are translucent, add the cubed butternut squash and continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the vegetables don’t stick to the pan.
4. Add Stock and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable stock, bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Blend the Soup: Once everything is cooked through, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches. If the soup is too thick, feel free to add a bit more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like, you can add a bit of chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice to elevate the flavor.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with optional garnishes like fresh herbs, a swirl of crème fraîche, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Expert Tips

• Roasting the Squash: If you prefer a deeper flavor, try roasting the butternut squash before adding it to the soup. This caramelizes the sugars and brings out a more intense sweetness. Simply cut the squash into halves, scoop out the seeds, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes before using it in the soup.
• Smooth Texture: For the creamiest texture, ensure the soup is blended well. If you don’t have an immersion blender, use a regular blender but allow the soup to cool slightly to prevent splattering.
• Spices: You can elevate the flavor profile of the soup by adding a pinch of ground cumin, cinnamon, or nutmeg for a warm, spiced finish. A little fresh ginger also works wonders to brighten up the sweetness of the squash.
• Make it a Meal: To make the soup more substantial, serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad. You can also add a protein boost by incorporating roasted chickpeas or shredded chicken.

Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining simplicity with deliciousness. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for warming up on chilly days.

With its minimal ingredients, you can create a nutritious and satisfying meal in no time. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this soup is sure to become a favorite staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy it as a starter, a light lunch, or even a cozy dinner.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup

Jamie Oliver’s simple butternut squash soup is a wonderful base recipe that can be easily personalized to fit different flavor profiles and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking to add more richness, spice, or even give it a completely different twist, here are some exciting and easy variations you can try:

1. Coconut and Lime Butternut Squash Soup:
   Add a can of coconut milk to the soup for a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, tropical flavor. Finish the soup with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a zest of lime for a bright, zesty kick. This variation balances the sweetness of the squash with the refreshing zing of lime, making it a perfect tropical-inspired soup.

2. Spicy Butternut Squash Soup:
   If you like heat, throw in some chili flakes or a fresh red chili pepper while sautéing the onions and garlic. For an extra punch, add a teaspoon of ground ginger or smoked paprika, which will enhance the depth of flavor while bringing a bit of spice. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the heat.

3. Roasted Garlic and Herb Butternut Squash Soup:
   Take the basic recipe up a notch by roasting garlic cloves with the butternut squash and onions. Roasting the garlic brings out its sweet, nutty flavors, giving the soup a more intense and savory aroma. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage can be added during the cooking process, or sprinkled on top as a garnish for extra freshness and herbal notes.

4. Apple and Sage Butternut Squash Soup:
   For a lovely sweet and savory combo, consider adding chopped apples-Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices. They add a fruity sweetness that complements the natural sweetness of the squash. Sauté fresh sage leaves along with the onions for a herby aroma. The apples add complexity and make the soup feel like a warm, comforting fall dish.

5. Butternut Squash and Red Lentil Soup:
   Add protein and texture to your soup by incorporating red lentils. These lentils cook quickly and dissolve slightly in the soup, making it even heartier. The combination of the squash and lentils creates a smooth and creamy consistency while offering an additional nutrient boost. A sprinkle of cumin and coriander can give it a subtle Middle Eastern flair.

6. Smoky Butternut Squash Soup:
   For a smoky flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder. These ingredients will bring a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash while introducing a layer of smokiness. You could even add a few strips of crispy bacon or pancetta for an added smoky richness.

Each of these variations stays true to the essence of the original recipe, but they provide new and exciting flavors to elevate your butternut squash soup experience.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Butternut squash soup is a fantastic dish to make ahead, and it stores well for later enjoyment. To ensure your leftovers remain delicious and safe to eat, follow these best practices for storing and reheating:

1. Cool Before Storing: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps to prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the soup watery.
2. Use an Airtight Container: Store your leftover soup in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and freshness. This will also prevent the soup from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
3. Refrigeration: If you plan to eat the soup within 3-4 days, simply refrigerate it. The soup will keep its flavor and texture well within this timeframe.
4. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Divide it into portions to make it easier to defrost smaller amounts when needed. Butternut squash soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure it’s fully thawed (either overnight in the fridge or using the defrost setting in your microwave) before reheating.
5. Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a bit of vegetable or chicken broth to loosen the consistency if it has thickened during storage. If reheating from frozen, you can defrost it in the microwave or in a pot over low heat, stirring regularly.

By following these storage practices, you can make sure your soup stays fresh and flavorful for days after you’ve made it.

What Goes Well With Simple Butternut Squash Soup?

Butternut squash soup is a versatile and hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few great options to elevate the meal and create a balanced dining experience:

1. Crusty Bread or Rolls:
   A warm, crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. The texture of the bread complements the smoothness of the soup, and it helps soak up all the rich flavors. Try adding a pat of butter or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added indulgence.

2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
   The classic pairing of butternut squash soup and grilled cheese is a comforting match. The richness of the melted cheese and the crispiness of the grilled bread contrast nicely with the creamy, velvety texture of the soup. You could even add herbs or a touch of Dijon mustard to the sandwich for extra flavor.

3. Salads:
   A fresh, crisp salad can balance the warmth of the soup. Try a green salad with arugula, mixed greens, or spinach, topped with roasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for a crunchy element. A simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard works well to cut through the richness of the soup.

4. Roasted Vegetables:
   Pair your soup with some roasted seasonal vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower. The caramelization from roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a complementary flavor profile. Season with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an earthy touch.

5. Cheese Toppings:
   A sprinkle of grated cheese like Parmesan or Gruyère can elevate the soup, adding a salty and nutty flavor. Alternatively, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet, smooth squash.

6. Protein Options:
   For a heartier meal, consider adding a protein source. Grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or even crispy bacon can make a lovely addition to the soup, offering both texture and flavor that contrasts with the velvety squash.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s simple butternut squash soup is a wonderfully adaptable recipe that provides a canvas for creativity and variety. Whether you want to experiment with spices, add a creamy coconut twist, or enhance the dish with additional proteins and sides, there are endless ways to make this soup your own.

And when it comes to storing leftovers, following best practices ensures that the soup stays fresh and ready to enjoy at any time. Paired with crusty bread, a light salad, or a savory grilled cheese, this soup offers comfort and warmth, making it the perfect meal for cooler months or whenever you’re in need of a satisfying dish.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Simple Butternut Squash Soup?

The key ingredients typically include butternut squash, onions, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs like thyme or sage, vegetable or chicken stock, and optional additions like carrots, celery, or a touch of chili for heat.

How Do You Prepare The Butternut Squash For The Soup?

Jamie suggests peeling and deseeding the squash, then cutting it into chunks. Roasting the squash first can deepen the flavor, but it can also be sautéed directly with the other vegetables for a quicker version.

Do I Need To Roast The Butternut Squash Beforehand?

Roasting is optional but highly recommended. It enhances the natural sweetness and adds a rich, caramelized depth to the soup. If you’re short on time, sautéing the squash with onions and garlic still produces a delicious result.

Can I Make This Soup Vegan?

Absolutely!

Just use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and skip any dairy-based toppings like cream or cheese. Jamie’s recipe is naturally plant-based when these tweaks are made.

What Kind Of Stock Is Best For The Soup?

You can use either vegetable stock for a lighter, vegetarian option or chicken stock for a slightly richer flavor. Jamie often encourages using homemade stock if possible for the best taste.

How Long Does The Soup Need To Cook?

Once all the vegetables are softened and the stock is added, the soup typically simmers for about 20-30 minutes until everything is tender enough to blend smoothly.

How Should I Blend The Soup?

Jamie recommends using a stick (immersion) blender directly in the pot for convenience, but a countertop blender works just as well-just be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splashes.

Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Soup?

Yes!

Carrots, sweet potatoes, or even a bit of apple can complement the squash beautifully. Jamie often encourages creativity with vegetables based on what’s in season or in your fridge.

What Toppings Or Garnishes Go Well With This Soup?

Some tasty options include a swirl of crème fraîche or yogurt, crispy sage leaves, roasted pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil. Jamie sometimes adds a crouton or crusty bread on the side.

How Should I Store And Reheat Leftovers?

Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth.