Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of butternut squash soup. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and full of nutrients that help keep you grounded and energized through the cooler months.

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 4 cups of Butternut Squash peeled and chopped

• 2 lg carrots diced

• 2 celery stalks

• 1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Small white onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• 32 ounces of low-sodium vegetable stock/broth OR use half vegetable stock and half water (about 15 ounces each)

• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme (or more to taste-use dried if you don’t have fresh available)

• 1 tablespoon dried basil ( optional)

• 1/4 can of coconut milk

• 1/2 teaspoon sea-salt (more or less, to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (more or less, to taste)

• 1 tsp toasted pumpkin seeds

To Prepare

• Heat olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed soup pan on medium heat.

• Add onion, garlic, and sauté until translucent. (About 3-5 minutes, make sure not to “burn” onions.)

• Add carrots, squash, and veggie stock.

• Bring to a gentle boil then lower to a simmer.

• Stir occasionally for about 30 minutes.

• Cook until tender

• Add cooked soup carefully in portions to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.

• Add a little water or broth if needed.

• Return to pot and whisk in coconut milk.

• Heat again slowly if needed

• Top with fresh toasted Pumpkin seeds, chopped basil, parsley, or cilantro

Healthy Baked Butternut Fries

Fall is the perfect season for butternut squash, and turning it into crispy oven fries is one of the easiest ways to enjoy it. These fries are naturally sweet, full of fiber, and baked instead of fried, so they’re light but still satisfying.

Ingredients:

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into fry-shaped sticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the butternut squash fries in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.

Spread the fries out in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap (this helps them crisp).

Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender with lightly crisp edges.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—try tahini, Greek yogurt dip, or just a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

✨ Pro Tip: For extra crisp fries, toss the squash sticks with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot starch before seasoning.

Buddha Bowl

Serves 2-4 (depending on if being served as a main or side dish)

INGREDIENTS:

• One cup quinoa or brown rice, cooked according to package directions (Tip: cook in vegetable broth instead of water for fuller flavor.)
• 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups cauliflower, chopped
• ½ cup raw shredded beets
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced or whole baby carrots
• 1 cup spinach, coarsely chopped
• ½ cup canned chickpeas
• 1 red pepper, chopped (you can use yellow or orange peppers as well, or a mixture)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional but so healthy)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or a mixture
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• A drizzle of olive oil (or use one of the dressing recipes)
• Dash cayenne (optional if you like a little kick!)
• 6-8 oz diced organic cooked Tofu or Tempeh (optional) or protein of choice
• Sliced avocado

TO PREPARE:

Steam broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower for 5-7 minutes, (depending on your desired tenderness) adding peppers for the last 2-3 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, toss together cooked quinoa or brown rice, steamed vegetables, spinach, red pepper, and parsley. Add the raw seeds, sliced avocado, and protein choice and drizzle with lemon juice, oil, and salt & pepper to taste. Serve warm or room temperature (For a heavier meal you can also add in a sweet potato, chickpeas etc.)  

All options are available for you to create your own Buddha Bowl!