Are you craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This creamy butternut squash and sausage soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot, is the answer to your weeknight dinner woes. It's a delicious and healthy dish, perfect for chilly evenings and busy schedules. This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on taste and satisfaction. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!), casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Prep the ingredients: Begin by peeling, seeding, and cubing the butternut squash. This can be a little time-consuming, but it's worth it for the delicious result! Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Remove the casings from the sausage.
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Crock pot magic: Place the sausage in the bottom of your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 1 hour, or until browned and cooked through. This renders the fat and infuses the soup with delicious sausage flavor.
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Add the veggies: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the cooked sausage.
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Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth, add the cubed butternut squash, sage, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything gently.
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Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the butternut squash is very tender.
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Blend for creaminess: Carefully remove the soup from the slow cooker (be mindful of the heat!). Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
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Finishing touch: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Heat through gently (do not boil). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. This hearty and healthy soup is perfect as a quick dinner idea or a satisfying meal any time of day.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add some beans: Include a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Boost the flavor: Add a bay leaf while the soup simmers for an extra layer of flavor (remember to remove it before blending).
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ingredients used)
- Fat: Variable, depending on sausage and cream used
- Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 5-7 grams
This crock pot butternut squash and sausage soup is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both easy to make and packed with flavor. It's a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes for healthy meals. Enjoy!