Crisp air, falling leaves, and the comforting aroma of simmering soup – autumn is officially here! And what better way to celebrate the season than with a hearty, flavorful soup bursting with the tastes of fall? This Trader Joe's Autumnal Harvest Soup recipe is incredibly easy to make, packed with delicious ingredients, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated weekend lunch. Get ready to enjoy the best of autumn in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can Trader Joe's fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup butternut squash, cubed (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup Trader Joe's frozen butternut squash and apple blend
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of cream
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine the ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, pumpkin puree, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, butternut squash cubes, frozen butternut squash and apple blend, sage, thyme, and nutmeg to the pot. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be! This is a great time to multitask and get other things done.
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Blend (optional): For a smoother soup, carefully use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Remember to vent the lid to prevent pressure build-up.
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Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as crumbled feta cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, or a dollop of cream.
Tips for the Best Autumnal Harvest Soup:
- Roast your vegetables: For an even deeper flavor, roast the onion, carrots, and celery before adding them to the pot. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add some beans: A can of cannellini beans or chickpeas would add protein and creaminess.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Ensure your broth is vegetarian or vegetable based and omit the cream topping for a completely vegan version.
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Harvest Soup: Add 1/2 cup of chopped apple and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for a sweeter twist.
- Curried Harvest Soup: Stir in 1 teaspoon of curry powder for an aromatic and warming flavor profile.
- Creamy Harvest Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields about 6 servings. Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Consider using a nutrition calculator for precise details based on your ingredients. Generally, this soup is a good source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
This easy and delicious Trader Joe's Autumnal Harvest Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Enjoy the flavors of fall with this simple yet satisfying recipe! It’s sure to become a new family favorite.