Creamy Cashew Butternut Squash Soup Recipe (2024)

By Dawn Lerman

Creamy Cashew Butternut Squash Soup Recipe (1)

Total Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Rating
5(1,667)
Notes
Read community notes

Growing up, I spent a lot of time in vegetarian restaurants even though I was not vegetarian, just on a quest to discover delicious, healthy foods that would help my dad to lose weight and feel good. I was already a fan of butternut squash soup when I was introduced to using cashews as a substitute for cream. This soup is loaded with flavor, fiber and protein. One of my favorite things to do is to ask my guests to figure out the mystery ingredient; nobody ever guesses that I have swapped out the heavy cream for the healthy, raw cashews. This soup is perfect for your vegetarian and vegan guests.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings

  • 3tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1large onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1cup (150 grams) raw cashews
  • 1clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1large butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into ½-inch dice
  • 5cups vegetable or chicken stock, plus additional (optional)
  • 2tablespoons minced fresh ginger
  • 2teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1teaspoon curry powder
  • 1teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1cup coconut milk, plus additional (optional)
  • 1sprig fresh rosemary

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

319 calories; 22 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 9 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 27 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 6 grams sugars; 9 grams protein; 789 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Creamy Cashew Butternut Squash Soup Recipe (2)

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    In large stockpot or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the cashews and cook, stirring, until the onions are translucent and the cashews have slightly browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the squash, broth, ginger, cumin, coriander, curry powder, turmeric and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook the soup until the squash is easily pierced with a knife, 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover the soup and let it cool for 15 minutes.

  2. Step

    2

    Starting on slow speed and increasing to high, purée the soup in small batches, in a blender until smooth. Place a towel over the top of the blender in case of any splatters. You can also use an immersion blender (let the soup remain in the pot), but it will take longer to purée until smooth.

  3. Step

    3

    If using a blender, return the soup to the pot, add the coconut milk and rosemary sprig, and cook over low heat, covered, until slightly thickened, for about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready. If serving the soup later, while reheating the soup, thin it out with more broth or coconut milk until the desired consistency.

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1,667

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Kara

Fantastic recipe! I made this tonight with a few changes. My local market sells packages of butternut squash that they skin and chop daily. I tossed the chunked squash in olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted in a 400 degree oven for about 50 minutes with a peeled apple, turning halfway, until golden brown. I used coconut oil instead of olive oil to cook the onions and added the spice mixture to the onion and cashew mixture and let it bloom before adding the garlic.

Geoff

As a person who is deathly allergic to cashews, I really don't recommend playing the "secret ingredient" game described in the article. Tree nuts are a common allergen, and that would be a really good way to put somebody in the hospital, or worse.

Mark

I agree with Ingrid. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds and roast for 45 min to 1 hour at 350 (or until soft enough to scoop out with a spoon. Acorn squash would work equally well in this soup.

Ingrid

I always roast squash for soup. It gives it a rich flavor, and is much easier than peeling and chopping.

Erin

Made this for the first time tonight. Smelled beautiful while it was cooking with all the spices. I would NOT add the coconut milk next time. It really masked the flavor of the spices and gave the soup an oily mouth feel. The soup would’ve been so much better without it, it was creamy enough with just the cashews...just my opinion.

Georgia

I made this with a few changes, using what I had on hand. I had no cashews or rosemary. I roasted the squash, onion and an apple with olive oil and pepper. Then I put in stock pot with more olive oil. I bloomed the spices in the oil and added chopped garlic and ginger and cooked till fragrant. I added chicken stock, brought to a simmer and cooked for 20 minutes. I used the immersion blender. I added the coconut milk and brought it back to simmer. It is very good.

Fran

Good point. That's why whenever I issue a dinner invitation I ask if there's anything people can't or won't eat.

Rachel

this is the best squash soup recipe I've ever found. I think the curry powder and coconut milk really sets it apart.

Elizabeth

Excellent with a quarter-teaspoon cayenne pepper added.

Andy in Dallas

Made exactly as is, as I always do the first time working with a recipe, out of respect for the chef/author. Wouldn't change a thing. Served for my wife and some friends and glad to report that nobody died.

nic

Last time it was a bit salty for me. Maybe Dec by 1/2 tbs

Kathleen McC

As others recommended, I doubled the ginger, garlic and all the spices except turmeric and added 1/4-1/3 tsp cayenne. Excellent advice! Used 5 cups of homemade chicken broth and a cup of coconut milk. Nice and creamy, especially with the coconut milk. Completely missed the comment about the rosemary; going to add that and some lime juice to the leftovers tomorrow, as I have both in the garden.

Ellen Perduyn, Akron, Ohio

This has become a winter soup staple! Adaptions:Do ahead: up to 4 pound butternut squash, roasted as-is in 350 for 45 min to an hour until soft to touch. Skin comes off easily. Add to soup instead of raw. 3 T minced ginger1.5 c cashewsOther spices and liquid as in recipe 1 c Savoy brand coconut cream (excellent brand!) No salt is needed. Drizzle bowls with 1/2 t hot pepper oil and add a few roasted pumpkin/other seeds.

coolbeans from VA

Superb soup. I did roast the squash first, upped the curry powder to two teaspoons, added a half teaspoon of cayenne, and omitted the coconut milk. Swoon-worthy.

roger

Made 12/15/23.

NHchickens

This soup was a huge hit in my family and at a party. First time I made exactly per recipe. Second time I subbed homemade chicken broth for water and coconut milk, and upped the heat with spice. Both versions were excellent.

Anna

This is so so good- I plan to make it instead of all other butternut squash soups in the future!

Camille

Cut in half, scoop out seeds (save and roast them to put on top of the soup!), and bake face down at 400 with olive oil/salt/pepper and then toss into the pot with the skins! Adds flavor and nutrients and the skin is not chunky at all after it’s been blended :)

Richard

Does the "1 large butternut squash (about 2 pounds)" refer to the weight of the whole squash or the weight after it's been peeled? A 2-pound butternut squash isn't that large...

Jess

I made this with one substitution: instead of cashews (which never last long in our pantry), I added chickpeas! I added about half a can of chickpeas while blending the soup and then added the rest after I’d was all back in the stockpot. The blended chickpeas made this soup so thick and smooth but the whole chickpeas added some texture too! Will make again!

Liz

I love this soup and I use vegetable stock, as the recommended vegetarian option. I’ve made it about 20 times and it’s always delicious, gets raves from everyone.

Rachel

Made the recipe as written, except for adding a little extra garlic and ginger. A warming crowd pleaser (for vegans and non vegans alike)!

Libby

Made the first time as is - great soup. But apparently, I need to wear my reading glasses to cook! I grabbed the ground cardamom thinking it was ground coriander. As soon as I measured it I knew my mistake, but decided to lean in. I skipped the curry powder, added a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and cayenne pepper with the full measure of coriander, and followed the recipe through the puree. I decided to skip the coconut milk and add the juice of two limes. I think I like this new version even better!

Ae

One of the best soup recipes here - delicious!!

Ramya

This was wonderful! I subbed heavy cream for coconut milk since I had some to use up. Perfect for a gray fall evening!

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Creamy Cashew Butternut Squash Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make butternut squash soup less bland? ›

How do you make butternut squash soup less bland? The key is to season it correctly. I use ground sage and nutmeg which both enhance the flavors of butternut squash and bring out its natural sweetness. Stir in full-fat coconut milk to make this soup extra-creamy, and don't forget the salt and pepper!

Why is my butternut squash soup gritty? ›

The flesh of the squash is soft and tender—perfect for a smooth pureed soup. Why is my butternut squash soup gritty? Under-cooked squash will make this soup more gritty than smooth. Make sure all of your vegetables (and fruits) are very tender before blending and you'll have effortlessly creamy soup every time.

Is butternut squash soup good for blood pressure? ›

It can help your blood pressure.

Butternut squash is high in potassium, which can help keep your blood pressure in check. Managing your blood pressure can reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease. Its fiber helps with blood sugar. Butternut squash contains a type of fiber that's not digestible.

How do you make squash soup taste better? ›

Yellow onion and garlic – These veggies add delicious depth of flavor. Fresh sage and rosemary – I don't reach for rosemary as often as some other fresh herbs, but I absolutely love it here. Along with the sage, it makes this soup cozy and complex.

Why is my butternut squash tasteless? ›

If it's underripe, the squash won't have developed its signature taste. If it's overripe, it may be dry, mushy or flavorless. Follow these tips the next time you're at the grocery store or farmers market to find the perfect recipe-ready butternut squash.

What is the white mold inside butternut squash? ›

The fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes white mold. This pathogen infects a wide variety of vegetable crops including beans, carrots, tomato, cabbage and lettuce. In the cucurbit family, the disease severely affects pumpkins and some varieties of winter squash.

How to cook butternut squash Martha Stewart? ›

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place squash cut-side down on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast until almost completely tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Turn cut-side up and roast until very tender and beginning to dry out a bit on top (but not brown).

Why does my butternut soup taste sour? ›

What happened? It's no coincidence that the butternut squash soup had fermented, alcoholic notes. Indeed, fermented rice turns out to be the culprit here. Rice is high in starch, which is relatively easy to ferment.

What pairs with butternut squash soup? ›

Try some of these sandwiches to pair with your creamy butternut squash soup.
  • Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese. ...
  • Turkey Pesto Sandwich. ...
  • Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich. ...
  • Fall Harvest Turkey Wrap. ...
  • The Best Turkey Reuben. ...
  • Roast Beef Sandwiches. ...
  • Apple & Brie Grilled Cheese with Baby Greens. ...
  • Grilled Turkey Cranberry Cream Cheese Sandwich.
Oct 14, 2022

Can dogs eat butternut squash? ›

Generally, butternut squash is safe to feed to most pooches, unless your vet has advised otherwise. As a guide, we would recommend feeding small dogs no more than 1 or 2 teaspoons of butternut squash, whilst bigger dogs can eat up to 3 or 4 tablespoons of butternut squash.

How do you thicken squash soup? ›

How do I thicken butternut squash soup? If you find the soup is too thin, try adding pureed white beans to the soup. You can also use a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with water (called a slurry) to thicken it up. Use a 1-to-2 ratio (for example, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to 2 teaspoons of water).

Is butternut squash soup a laxative? ›

Butternut can work as a laxative. In some people butternut can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.

What does butternut squash do for the gut? ›

Butternut squash contains considerable amounts of fiber, which can help you keep a healthy weight and regulate bowel movements. It's known to help prevent colorectal cancer while the beta-carotene in butternut squash can also improve eye health.

Can diabetics eat butternut squash? ›

Is Butternut Squash Safe for People Living with Diabetes? Butternut squash is a fantastic option for those who need to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C, butternut squash can provide numerous health benefits for those living with diabetes.

How do I fix bland tasting soup? ›

Add acidic ingredients.

Foods that have a great deal of acidity, like lemon juice, vinegar, white wine, and tomato puree, can help liven up the flavor of bland-tasting bone and other broths. "The acidity of these ingredients works to complement and enhance the broth's flavors, not mask it.

How do you rescue bland soup? ›

If a soup is tasting bland in the bowl, consider adding acid rather than salt. A squeeze of lemon or lime, or a dash of yogurt or sour cream can add brightness to the bowl. Our Lemony Chicken Soup will make your mouth water.

How do you salvage bland soup? ›

Not enough depth: A well-rounded soup has multiple layers of flavour, including acidity, umami, and sweetness. If your soup is missing any of these, it may taste bland. Adding ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, parmesan cheese for umami, or even a touch of sweetness can make a world of difference.

How do you keep soup from being bland? ›

Add acidity: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a dash of vinegar, or a splash of wine can brighten the flavors of a soup and make it taste more complex. Experiment with different cooking methods: Roasting or caramelizing vegetables before adding them to the soup can bring out thei.

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