This Butternut Squash and Cider Soup is easy, healthy and perfect for a chilly Fall day!
We’re down to just about 5 weeks until my wife’s due date. That’s soon. Like really soon. But we’re total planners around here, and I think we are more or less ready to go. My office has been relocated to the basement, and the baby room is all set. All of this baby prep has made me really think back to my days growing up in the Carolinas. And guess what memory popped into my head the other day? Just guess.
Carmen Sandiego. That’s right. The old-school video game featuring that dastardly Carmen and all of her henchmen. As far as I know, this game was only available on PC, but it was one of my favorites. I still remember the names of Carmen’s henchmen, too. Together, they formed the V.I.L.E. crime syndicate, with some of Carmen’s top villains being Patty Larceny, Jacqueline Hide, Vic the Slick and Justin Case. Pretty creative names, huh?
Image credit: abandonia.com
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? was an educational game. It came with a world atlas to help track down the bad guys. In fact, I swear that atlas is still on a bookshelf in my mom’s house. Hah! Carmen was so popular that PBS even turned it into a game show for kids. My sister and I would race downstairs to catch that show after dinner…it drove my dad nuts. But we were learning about world geography, Dad! And the theme song? C’mon…you remember that theme song! It was performed by Rockapella, who by the way still tours the country. I knew that theme song by heart!
I wonder what educational games our son will find as he grows up? The Carmen Sandiego series has been defunct for a number of years now, but I’m personally hoping that someone remakes that game for the current generation of kids. Ok, maybe I’m just hoping someone remakes it so that I can play it and pretend like I am 7 years old again. *I’m coming for you, Carmen!*
Ok, enough road-tripping down memory lane there. Let’s turn our attention back to food! As the weather is turning chilly here in upstate New York, we’ve had our mind on soup lately. Last Fall, my wife and I went over to the culinary school in our area for lunch, and I ordered a butternut squash and cider soup as a starter. This soup was a knock-out! It was rich, creamy and loaded with flavor. I actually took several baking courses a while back at this culinary school, so I asked one of my former teachers about the recipe for this soup. Turns out they had adapted it from one printed in the New York Times. A quick Google search once I got home, and there it was. Butternut Squash and Cider Soup.
One bite of this soup, and you’ll swear that it’s loaded with cream. It’s got such a rich, creamy flavor and texture that you’ll swear it can’t be healthy. Wrong! There is absolutely nothing bad for you in this soup. The flavors from the butternut squash really shine, and the apple cider provides a nice sweetness that balances this soup. If you’re looking for a delicious Fall soup, then look no further! This Butternut Squash and Cider Soup recipe is definitely a keeper.
Oh, and did I mention how easy this soup is to make? It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Seriously. The hardest part is actually peeling and chopping the butternut squash. Enjoy!
Have you ever apprehended Carmen Sandiego?
What is your favorite Fall soup?
Ingredients
- 1 shallot, diced (or ½ medium yellow onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- ½ cup water
- 6 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1” squares
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional garnishes: 1 red apple, cored and diced; additional sour cream; black pepper
Instructions
- Using a medium-sized Dutch oven, add shallot, garlic and water. Place over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until shallot and garlic have softened slightly.
- Add butternut squash and chicken broth. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until squash is soft.
- Using an immersion blender, puree until smooth.
- Add cider, sour cream and salt. Continue pureeing until well-mixed.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with diced apples, additional sour cream and black pepper before serving.
Notes
Slightly adapted from New York Times
Ha! I remember that game! So funny how memories pop into our heads… This soup looks like one to remember! The color is so beautiful and I love that you used apple cider in the soup!
This soup is crazy easy to make, too, Kathy! Absolutely worth making a batch this Fall! 🙂
So perfect for the season ~~~~~ LOVE!
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks, Phronsie!! (This soup is super easy, too…and healthy!)
Just looking at that soup made me think it was full of cream – but you only have a half cup of sour cream in it – this looks insanely comforting, David!
And wow – Rockapella are still touring? They are almost as old as my fav band “A-Ha” – who are in the middle of touring right now!
And I even used light sour cream, Shashi! I know it doesnt have the same flavor as the full-fat version, but hey, it’s less calories, too! 🙂 And yes, Rockapella is still touring. I almost went to see them in Atlanta a few years back, and then they came through Albany last year…but we were out of town. Of course, they only have one song that I actually know. Haha! Taaaaake on meeeee…..
Duuuuude…they have so many – a SMALL few of which are – the Sun shines on tv, hunting high and low, Manhattan skyline, I’ve been loosing you and my man (he just doesn’t know it) Morten Harket’s “Do you Remember me” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5RMz0GRYSM 🙂
And now I have a new playlist to listen to while I’m working this morning…thanks, Shashi! 🙂
Hi David! Perfect! I have at least twenty-five butternut squash on the table on the back porch, not to mention the dozen or so spaghetti squash! Some of my favorite fall/winter soups are chowders and, of course, homemade creamy tomato which I make with my canned stewed tomatoes. Is that your own pita bread I see?
25!?! Holy cow, Dorothy! You know what, though, we just pulled a little pumpkin our of our garden, and I told my wife that next year I want to take one of our entire raised beds for squash. They’re boring in the summer when everything else is getting picked, but man are they nice right now when the growing season is pretty much over for everything else. 🙂 (And that is indeed my pita bread! I made a batch with a bunch of herbs on top. Yummmm!)
Hi David! Squash are really easy to grow, but I must warn you they will vine out all over the place! We had 10-12 hills of squash this year and the took over about 200 square feet of the garden, even going up the tomato cages! Butternut and spaghetti squash both winter well in a cool, dry place. 🙂
Thanks for the reminder, Dorothy! My wife told me the same thing! We grow zucchini every summer, and it loves to take over the garden, too. I’ll come up with a way to make it work for next year!!
I really want a bowl of this soup now! And your pictures are awesome. Great job!
I can’t believe it’s almost time for your little one to make his debut! Exciting times!
Aww, thank you so much, Tamara! This soup is perfect for chilly Fall days…and it’s healthy, too! I suspect we will be making a lot of soups, stews and crock pot meals in about 5 weeks or so. 🙂
Man I loved “Where in the world is Carmen San Diego” too, I used to play it on my dad’s Mac Plus. Endless hours of fun..
About this soup: it looks fantastically tasty and easy and I’m really digging the apple cider addition. What a fun twist. I can’t wait to try it!
#WolfpackGeography
Tell me about, Mike! Wouldn’t it be fun to go back and play that game again? I’d probably get bored a lot faster…but I dunno. That game was pretty unique! This soup is absolutely fantastically easy and tasty…and really not bad for you at all. Perfect for chilly Autumn days!
Ah! We are living similar lives! I’m due with baby boy in 3 months but we did move my husband’s office downstairs and I’ve been obsessing about my childhood likes. Naturally this includes Carmen Sandiego, which was available on my Mac 😉
I’ve also been obsessing about soup so this is timely. Thanks! Your wife is lucky that you are the cook!
Wow, we are absolutely leading parallel lives, Lauren! We’re right there with moving furniture to the basement and running around making all sorts of changes to the house. Haha! Now I just need some time to sit down and play Carmen Sandiego. I wonder if I can find an emulator online somewhere that lets me play this one again? 🙂
What a stunning color! This looks crazy delicious 🙂 Cool idea to top with apple!
Thanks, Medha! This one is super tasty, too…and easy…and healthy. What’s not to love about it? 🙂
I love the beautiful color of this soup David, looks so comforting!
Thank you so much, Manali! I’m all about some comfort food this time of the year! 🙂
I bet you’re not fully prepared to such a significant event, David! Did you know it’s important to grow a lot of lavender? I don’t know what’s the point to do that, but it’s been so since the dawn of time! Don’t ruin and old good custom. Besides, you can always incorporate it in your cooking (finally!) or even send it to me. But you still have 5 weeks – not a lot but enough to grow it. In a meanwhile, I’ll be enjoying with this delicious soup. And cider? Seriously? Count me on, please!
Wait? Grow lavender? Why would I do that when I’ve got you growing enough for a small army up there? 🙂 But wait…I do have a recipe coming up with lavender in it! Just you hold your horses!
I love, love, LOVE butternut squash soup. It is perfect for this time of year because it is comforting, but cheap to make too.
Cider in soup is a new one to me, but I shall be trying that soon.
You’re right…I didn’t even think about that part of it, Dannii! This soup is easy and healthy…but it’s also pretty darn cheap to make. Give the cider angle a shot…it brings a nice bit of sweetness (but not too much) to the soup. Fun seasonal addition for sure! Oh, and I hope you are enjoying New Orleans!! 🙂
So glad you guys are ready for baby!!!! I love this soup, David! I can’t get enough butternut squash this time of the year. . but if you’re asking for me fave? It’s roasted red bell pepper soup or tomato soup. . with a big honking grilled cheese sandwich! 🙂
I know, right? Picking a fave soup is about like picking a favorite Christmas cookie! There’s just too many good options to pick from to only pick one! And yes, yes, yes to the big honkin’ grilled cheese! I haven’t had a grilled cheese sandwich in a looong time…I need to fix that today! 🙂
Butternut and cider?? Yes, please! Your pictures are gorgeous!
Amy
Thank you so much, Amy! This soup was fun to make…easy and delicious! 🙂
I remember the show and the song, but I don’t think I ever played the video game. Only 5 weeks to go! Woo-hoo! It’s so exciting getting ready for a baby! I’m totally digging this soup and all things butternut right now. I just had some butternut soup at BLTSteak the other day and it was soooooo good, but I bet yours is better!
Oh my gosh, the video game was what started it all! We need to find a way to play that game again…too bad it was on like 8 floppy disks or something. Haha! There’s no way I can complete with BLTSteak, but I can absolutely say that this butternut squash soup is amazing. And it’s easy. So that’s a bonus for sure! 🙂
Can’t say I ever played Carmen Sandiego, but certainly know the name. I guess I missed out, but I did play BeamRider, Jumpman and few others, like this Sim City-like one on Egypt. So many evenings where the time flew away…
Seeing as I just picked up some cubed butternut squash from Costco, this should be a snap to put together. I mean I can only have so many roasted veggies and this sounds great to make on these recent chilly evenings. Love the sour cream, too!
Tell me about it, Kevin…the time flew by when we played those games! Hey, we could have been out doing other stuff…like getting into trouble. Plus, I think you know a thing or two about San Diego already….just not Carmen. 🙂 And it sounds like you are already half-way there with this recipe. You could have it in time for lunch today!
Carmen Sandiego!! A lot more educational and friendly than the video games I played (uuhhh Street Fighter yes pls).
Love how creamy and tasty this soup looks! And the color! I would make this for that reason alone 😉
Haha! I never said I didn’t play other video games, too, Beverley. I was never very good at Street Fighter, but Mortal Kombat on the Gameboy was where it was at! Oh man, those were the days! Now, we sit around talking about delicious soups instead. 🙂
Leave it to you to combine two totally unrelated things into a masterpiece! I never would’ve thought in a million years to combine apple cider and butternut squash, but that’s why I visit your website, right? 😉 And that gorgeous orange color with swirls of sour cream makes this the perfect soup for photographing ( and eating, of course)! 😀 Thanks for sharing, David! 😀
Haha…you are way too kind, Kennedy! 🙂 I did indeed have fun making this one, but I was like “oh no” when I saw the soup. It was a pretty orange color…but that was all it had. The sour cream was clutch there at the end! I hope you have a great weekend, and thanks for being such a good blog friend!
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!
Carmen Sandiego is the sole reason why I was that annoying kid who knew every capital city and also knew where Port Moresby was. I was OBSESSED with that game! Now this soup, I could use it to fuel an epic 24 hour CS binge to catch her.
Hahaha. That was YOU! You were THAT kid, Arman. Somehow I just knew it. And Port Moresby…bwahahaha! Let’s quit our jobs and go chasing after Carmen. Deal?
Yesssss! Carmen Sandiego!!! Played the game, watched the show, LOVED Rockapella. Yes.
Oh, and the soup looks good too and all that.
Have you seen Carmen lately, Amy? I heard she got a facelift and she’s hiding in Puerto Vallarta. Someone needs to apprehend her!!