Butternut Squash & Herb Soup

American kitchens turn to butternut squash when fall harvests sweeten the season. This blended soup blooms with sage and thyme, then gets a bright lift from apple cider vinegar and a cool swirl of yogurt.

Serves 6 · 15 min prep · 35 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 210 cal
• 6g protein
• 28g carbs
• 10g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 large (about 3 lb) butternut squash
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 8 fresh sage leaves
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
• 1/3 cup toasted pepitas
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
• for finishing flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. 1Peel the butternut squash, scoop out the seeds, and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes. Roughly chop the onion and smash the garlic cloves.
2. 2Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 6 minutes.
3. 3Stir in the garlic, sage, and thyme; cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. 4Add the cubed squash, broth, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
5. 5Cover partially and cook until the squash is completely tender when pierced with a fork, 20–25 minutes.
6. 6Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until completely smooth and silky. (Alternatively, carefully blend in batches in a countertop blender and return to the pot.)
7. 7Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or a splash more vinegar for brightness.
8. 8Ladle into bowls. Swirl a spoonful of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche into each serving.
9. 9Top with toasted pepitas, chopped chives, a drizzle of olive oil, and flaky sea salt.
10. 10The soup keeps well refrigerated up to 4 days and reheats gently on the stove or in the microwave, making it ideal for packed lunches.