Butternut Squash & Sausage Soup

Butternut Squash & Sausage Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that marries the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the savory depth of sausage. This soup features a creamy, velvety texture from the squash, complemented by the robust flavor of sausage and a medley of aromatic vegetables. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy autumn meal or a warming winter dinner. With a touch of herbs and spices, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying, making it an ideal option for both family meals and entertaining guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Fresh parsley or sage, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the Butternut Squash: Stir in the cubed butternut squash and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the squash to start to caramelize slightly.
4. Simmer the Soup: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried sage, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
5. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer it in batches to a regular blender. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
6. Add Cream (Optional): Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk if using, and heat through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or sage if desired. Serve warm.

This Butternut Squash & Sausage Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the sweetness of squash with the savory flavors of sausage, making it a perfect comfort food for any time of year. Enjoy!