Warm up this winter with a hearty bowl of Butternut Squash Soup in a Bread Bowl. This comforting meal packs a punch with its delicious flavor and impressive nutritional value, delivering 548 calories per serving.
In addition to its hearty caloric content, Butternut Squash Soup is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, and manganese. The hearty bread bowl adds a perfect crunch to the dish while providing necessary carbohydrates.
In this article, we'll explore the preparation method, some serving suggestions, the health benefits of butternut squash soup, alternative bread bowls, tips and tricks, variations on the recipe, accompaniments, and storage and reheating options.
1 serving of Butternut Squash Soup in a Bread Bowl delivers a whopping 548 calories, 20g of fat, 79g of carbohydrates, 10g of fiber, and 12g of protein. Butternut squash is among the richest sources of vitamin A and potassium, each delivering over 400% of an adult's daily recommended intake. The soup also provides nearly 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, a key component in immune function and healthy skin.
Ingredients
For the Butternut Squash Soup, you'll need 1 medium-sized butternut squash, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and optional spices like cumin, nutmeg, and ginger. For the Bread Bowl, you'll need 4 sourdough bread bowls and 4 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil.
Preparation Method
Start by prepping the squash. Peel it and remove the seeds, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Next, chop the onion and mince the garlic. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the onions and garlic. Cook until the onions are soft, then add the squash, broth, honey, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender. While the soup is cooking, prepare the bread bowls. Preheat the oven to 375 F, then cut the top off each bread bowl and scoop out the insides. Brush the inside and outside of each bowl with melted butter or olive oil, then place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until toasty and golden brown. Once the soup and bread bowls are ready, ladle the soup into the bread bowls and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Butternut Squash Soup in a Bread Bowl is a satisfying meal on its own, but there are several serving suggestions to elevate it to the next level. Consider garnishing with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. For a heartier meal, pair the soup with a side salad or grilled chicken. Alternatively, serve it as a starter before a main course.
Health Benefits of Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut Squash Soup delivers many health benefits. Thanks to the rich concentration of vitamin A, it helps promote healthy skin, good vision, and supports immune function. It also has an abundance of potassium and manganese, which assists in maintaining healthy bones, heart health, and synthesizing nutrients. The soup is also high in fiber, aiding in digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Alternative Bread Bowls
Bread bowls can be substituted with other vessels for your soup. Consider using roasted acorn squash, a hollowed-out pumpkin, or a flavorful sourdough roll. If you're looking to reduce carbs, consider using a roasted spaghetti squash half to hold the warm soup. A slightly sweeter alternative could include a baked sweet potato, halved and cored with a spoon.
Tips and Tricks
To simplify the soup-making process, purchase pre-chopped butternut squash at the grocery store. Additionally, the soup can be made in advance and frozen in individual servings, allowing for a quick heat-and-eat meal during the week. While the soup and bread bowl make for an impressive and fun presentation, they can be a bit challenging to eat. Consider using a spoon to scoop out the soup, then tearing off pieces of the bread to dip. Finally, customize your soup with your favorite spices and seasonings. We recommend experimenting with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne for a smoky, spicy kick.
Variations on the Recipe
For a creamier butternut squash soup, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk while the soup is simmering. For additional flavor, try roasting the squash before adding it to the soup. This will give the soup a smoky, caramelized flavor and bring out the sweetness of the squash. Lastly, consider adding other vegetables like carrot or celery to the soup for added nutrition and depth of flavor.
Accompaniments
Pair the soup with a crisp garden or caesar salad to add a bit of crunch to your meal. For a heartier meal, consider serving with roasted chicken, steak or grilled fish. Alternatively, serve the soup with your favorite sandwich, such as turkey and avocado or a classic grilled cheese. The soup also pairs well with a side of garlic bread or crackers.
Storage and Reheating
Butternut Squash Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the soup by placing it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you're freezing the soup for later, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat by thawing in the refrigerator overnight, then heating over low heat on the stovetop.
Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living. - Louis P. De Gouy
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Butternut Squash Soup in Bread Bowl
1. What is butternut squash soup in a bread bowl?
Butternut squash soup in a bread bowl is a dish where a creamy and savory soup made of roasted butternut squash and other ingredients is served inside a hollowed-out bread bowl. The bread bowl is typically made from a round loaf of crusty bread like sourdough, and it serves as a delicious and edible vessel for the soup.
2. How many calories are in a serving of butternut squash soup in a bread bowl?
A serving of butternut squash soup in a bread bowl typically contains around 548 calories. The exact number of calories may vary depending on the recipe and the type of bread used for the bread bowl, but this dish is generally considered quite filling and hearty.
3. What are some common ingredients in butternut squash soup in a bread bowl?
Some common ingredients in butternut squash soup in a bread bowl include roasted butternut squash, onions, garlic, celery, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, and herbs like thyme and sage. The bread bowl is typically made from a round loaf of crusty bread like sourdough, and it is often brushed with garlic butter before being filled with the soup.
4. What is the best way to make butternut squash soup in a bread bowl?
There are many different ways to make butternut squash soup in a bread bowl, but a typical recipe involves roasting the butternut squash with onions, garlic, and herbs until it is tender and caramelized. The roasted vegetables are then blended with chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. The bread bowl is prepared by cutting off the top of a round loaf of bread, hollowing out the inside, and brushing the crust with garlic butter before filling it with the soup. The bread bowl is then baked until the soup is hot and bubbly, and the bread is toasted and crusty.
5. How can I serve butternut squash soup in a bread bowl for a party?
Butternut squash soup in a bread bowl is a great dish to serve at a party, especially during the colder months. To make it more festive, you can garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs or croutons. You can also offer a variety of bread options for the bread bowl, such as sourdough, French baguette, or whole wheat. To make it easier for guests to serve themselves, you can set up a soup station with the bread bowls, the soup, and the garnishes, and let everyone assemble their own bowls.