This Butternut Squash Mushroom Parmesan Soup is an undeniably delicious winter recipe. The addition of nutmeg, rosemary, and pomegranate seeds makes it festive, so consider enjoying it during the holidays!
Hello, everyone! Happy Monday aka the last week of November. We skip today the part about “Where does this time go” and focus on good things. First, our neighbours are celebrating Thanksgiving this week, so in case they’re busy for the next few days: happy Thanksgiving! That’s the reason I am going to keep my posts short this week: you’ve got plenty of things to do, I believe.
The second good thing is obviously this decadent Butternut Squash Mushroom Parmesan Soup. As I have said (many times?) before, it’s the second year in the row when I focus on savoury recipes more than on desserts, and this soup fits the bill, in my book.
“What’s festive about it?” – you might ask. Good question. When I was developing my Christmas recipes (I haven’t fully finished with them yet), I was asking the same. Butternut squash and mushrooms aren’t exclusively Christmas ingredients. Then I found an answer: Christmas recipes don’t need to be extravagant or expensive. In fact, the Christmas time is about home, pyjamas, staying warm and being lazy, and comfort foods. Thus, this Butternut Squash Mushroom Parmesan Soup is a perfect holiday:
- Affordable and simple ingredients;
- Nutmeg and rosemary bring the holiday vibes;
- The pomegranate arils make it look festive (Also can be substituted for dried cranberries);
- Silky, smooth, and rich consistency thanks to parmesan (Lots of calories too. But they don’t count this time of the year!);
- And the best thing is that it can be made a few days ahead. Indeed, you can bake the squash and keep it in the fridge for a few days until ready to turn it into the soup. Moreover, the soup gets even better after sitting one day in the fridge, so I do recommend making it in advance and then simply reheating and serving with some toasted bread.
I hope I’ve been able to convince you that this Butternut Squash Mushroom Parmesan Soup can be called a festive recipe perfectly suitable for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration. Try it out!
Also, try this Butternut Squash Chestnut Soup and this Chestnut Soup. They’re delicious, too!
Cheers for now.
Butternut Squash Mushroom Parmesan Soup
This Butternut Squash Mushroom Parmesan Soup is an undeniably delicious winter recipe. The addition of nutmeg, rosemary, and pomegranate seeds makes it festive, so enjoy it during the holidays!
Notes
* Adding a little of butter while pureeing soup makes it luxuriously smooth and silky and improves the flavour.
Ingredients
- 1 medium large butternut squash + oil for greasing + salt and pepper
- 1 whole garlic (unpeeled)
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1 lb. brown button mushrooms, cleaned (avoid soaking in water) and sliced
- 4 to 5 tbsp. butter, divided
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp. fresh thyme
- 1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg (less or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup light (or coffee) cream (or substitute for more water)
- Pomegranate seeds, parmesan, and thyme for garnishing
Instructions
- Cut the butternut squash in half and remove the seeds. Brush with a little of olive oil, season with some salt and pepper, place the garlic inside, and roast in the preheated to 180 degrees C (360 degrees F) oven for about 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of your squash. It should be soft when pierced with a fork but still firm.
- Remove from oven and let cool until easy to handle. Remove the flesh (You’ll need about 7 cups, but it can be less or more. Indeed, I used some baked skins too – they’re delicious!) Remove the peel from the garlic.
- Place the mushrooms in a large pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes to cook down the water. Once the mushrooms have released the liquid and it has evaporated (They will start turning golden), add 1 tbsp. butter and olive oil each, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan.
- Add the onions and roasted garlic (You can use as much as you desire. I added the whole head as the roasted garlic has a nice, sweet and mellow flavour) into the same pan (a little drizzle of oil, if necessary) and cook 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked squash, mushrooms (Reserve a little for garnishing), and nutmeg. Stir in one cup of parmesan and stir 1 minute (to start the melting process).
- Add about 3-4 cups of warm water to cover the veggies. Add 1 cup of the cream or substitute for more water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Off heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
- Transfer in a food processor in few settings, each time adding a little of water and a piece of butter (between 2 to 3 remaining tablespoons – See Notes).
- Transfer the pureed soup in a pan and add more water, to reach the desired consistency. Heat it through bringing to almost a boil then turning the heat off. Try and add more seasonings and herbs if desired.
- Serve the soup warm with some mushrooms (If reserved), extra parmesan, pomegranate, and herbs.
- Enjoy
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
This a lovely soup Ben. Lots of flavour and comfort in that. Which is especially good at this time of year!
Neil recently posted…Baked Cranberry Oatmeal
This soup is incredible, Ben! A celebration of all things fall. Gorgeous color and looks so smooth and creamy with those sweet, crunchy pomegranate seeds on top. Definitely a must try soup!
Marissa recently posted…Turkey Pot Pie Soup
The holidays really are all about comfort food! Sure, I like a big fancy meal on occasion, but I much prefer to pour a glass of wine and sit on the couch with some delicious comfort food. This looks like one heck of a tasty soup, Ben! I love the colors you’ve got in there…and excellent choice for the serving bowl, too!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Coconut Chocolate Kiss Cookies
This soup is so beautiful, Ben!!! Plus, the flavors sound delicious!!! It’s absolutely perfect for any holiday gathering! I’ll have to make a double batch and freeze some to have on hand for quick and easy dinners! Yum!
Cheyanne recently posted…Raspberry Baked Brie en Croute
This soup blends my favorite fall flavors so deliciously! And that texture looks silky smooth. Love you can make it ahead and I bet it freezes well too. Soups like this I’ll serve in shooter glasses too for as an appetizer. I can’t wait to try this! Thanks for sharing, Ben!!