Butternut Squash and Pear Soup

This rich, creamy butternut squash soup combines the sweetness of butternut squash, pears, and a touch of maple syrup with the creaminess of coconut milk for the ultimate cozy dish.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Soup
• Ingredients
• Additions, Variations, and Substitutions
• How to Make this Butternut Squash Soup
• Tips for Making Ahead, Leftovers, and Storage
• Serving Suggestions
• Final Thoughts
• Connect with Me!

As the temperatures drop and the nights get chilly, there is nothing better than a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. This recipe brings together the classic creaminess of butternut squash with a unique twist of pears, a hint of maple syrup, and the smooth richness of coconut milk. I’ve created this easy but flavorful version that uses simple ingredients to elevate your everyday fall meal into a truly memorable experience. This soup strikes the perfect balance between savory and subtly sweet flavors, ideal for family dinners, cozy weekends, or even as a crowd-pleaser at dinner parties.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Soup

This butternut squash soup isn’t just a warm, comforting meal; it’s a beautifully balanced, flavor-rich dish that showcases the natural sweetness of butternut squash and pears. The coconut milk adds an irresistible creaminess without any heavy dairy, and the hint of garam masala brings a touch of warmth and spice that makes this soup unforgettable.

Ingredients

• Butternut Squash: This soup uses a whole medium-sized butternut squash, bringing a sweet, creamy base to the soup. When selecting a squash, look for one that’s firm and heavy for its size for the best flavor.
• Pears: Adding three ripe pears gives this soup a unique fruity layer that pairs beautifully with the squash. Bartlett or Anjou varieties work well here, as they become tender and sweet when cooked.
• Potatoes: Potatoes add a velvety texture to the soup, making it even creamier without needing much dairy. Choose Yukon Gold or Russet for a soft, smooth texture after blending.
• Onion: This aromatic is key for building flavor depth. Sautéing the onions slowly at the beginning caramelizes the natural sugars, enhancing the soup’s sweetness.
• Garam Masala: This warming spice blend, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, brings a cozy, autumnal warmth to the soup. It’s a mild way to add a bit of spice without overpowering the other flavors.
• Coconut Milk: Adding richness and a hint of coconut flavor, this ingredient gives the soup its luxurious, creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, use light coconut milk, but note that full-fat coconut milk will yield the creamiest result.
• Maple Syrup: Just two tablespoons of maple syrup subtly heighten the soup’s sweetness, balancing out the savory notes. It’s optional, but highly recommended for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The base for our soup! Choose a high-quality broth for the best flavor. Vegetable broth keeps the dish vegan, while chicken broth adds a subtle richness.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Start with a pinch and adjust as you cook, adding more to taste. These staples bring out all the flavors in the soup, so don’t skip the final seasoning!

Additions, Variations, and Substitutions

• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
• Swap Coconut Milk: For a slightly different twist, replace coconut milk with heavy cream or cashew cream.
• Add Protein: For a heartier soup, add cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken to each serving.
• Herb Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary at the end adds color and an aromatic finish.

How to Make this Butternut Squash Soup

Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add Spices and Liquids: Stir in the garam masala, vegetable broth, and water. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender

Caramelize the Squash and Pears: Add the diced butternut squash and pears to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural sugars.

.Blend the Soup: Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, work in batches.

Finish with Coconut and Maple: Return the pot to low heat, add the coconut milk and maple syrup, and stir until well combined. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm with a drizzle of coconut milk or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

Tips for Making Ahead, Leftovers, and Storage

• Make Ahead: This soup can be made up to two days in advance. In fact, I find letting it sit overnight in the fridge helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to develop and taste even better the next day.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in individual portions for easy reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy butternut squash soup pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of sourdough or multigrain bread adds texture and is perfect for dipping.
• Herbed Croutons: For a crunchy contrast, add croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds as garnish. Try my Croissant Croutons to really take this soup to the next level or my Quick and Simple Homemade Croutons.
• Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with arugula, goat cheese, and toasted nuts complements the creamy soup. I love pairing this soup with my Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad, this Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad, or this easy Chickpea and Arugula Pasta Salad.

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Final Thoughts

Butternut squash soup with coconut milk is the ultimate seasonal comfort food—simple, flavorful, and nourishing. With a few pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a soup that’s not only delicious but also healthy and soul-warming. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it at a dinner party, this soup is sure to impress!

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