Autumn Harvest Creamy Squash Soup Bowls

A creamy fall soup, with carrots and butternut squash in roasted acorn squash bowls. The ultimate healthy comfort food this fall or winter season.
Servings: 4 (squash halves with soup)

Ingredients:

SQUASH

• 2 medium acorn squash (halved // optional for use as bowls)

• 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil (or avocado or grape seed oil)

• 2 Tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar (plus more to taste)

SOUP

• 1 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil (or avocado or grape seed oil)

• 1/2 medium white or yellow onion (diced)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 4 cups cubed sweet potato, carrots, or butternut squash (or a mixture of all three)

• 1 quart vegetable broth (DIY or store-bought)

• 1 tsp fresh or dried sage, fresh or dried thyme, or 2 bay leaves (amount as original recipe is written)

• 1 cup red lentils (optional // for protein / fiber)

• Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)

• 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar (optional // depending on sweetness of your carrots/potato/squash)

FOR SERVING (optional)

• Sautéed kale or Kale Chips

• Diced red onion

• Baked chickpeas

• Fresh parsley

• Pomegranate arils

• Vegan Gluten Free Cornbread

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and use a sharp knife to carefully halve acorn squash lengthwise. Do so by inserting the tip of the knife in between two ridges and pressing all the way through, then pushing/rocking the knife to slice through one half. Repeat on the other side.

2. Scoop out seeds with a spoon or ice cream scoop and drizzle with oil and maple syrup (optional)  - rub with hands to distribute.

3. Place squash on a rimmed baking sheet or 9x13 inch baking dish and cover with foil.

4. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for 30-40 minutes more, or until squash is fork tender and golden brown on the edges (baking time will vary based on size). Set aside.

5. In the meantime, start soup. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 4 minutes or until onion is softened, then add sweet potato, squash and/or carrots (I used butternut squash and carrots).

6. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper and stir. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables appear slightly softened.

7. Add vegetable broth and herb of choice (I used sage and bay leaf) and bring mixture to a low boil over medium-high heat. If adding lentils, add at this time.

8. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are tender. Then use an immersion blender or transfer to the blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Return to pot if blended in blender.

9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt and pepper for flavor balance, herbs for earthiness, or a little maple syrup for sweetness.

10. Once acorn squash are baked, divide soup between the squash and garnish with topping(s) of choice.

    Inspired by The Minimalist Baker
    

Chilled Whole Body Gazpacho

Fresh tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, herbs, and olive oil come together for a classic summer soup that feels like sunshine in a bowl. ☀️

INGREDIENTS:

• 6-7 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 purple onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 sweet red bell pepper seeded and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
• 4-5 cups of tomato juice
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt to taste 

TO PREPARE:

Combine all ingredients and blend to your desired consistency. Store (in a non- metal container) and refrigerate overnight so the flavors can blend together.

Chilled Cucumber Soup

Cool, creamy, and incredibly refreshing, this soup is the perfect light lunch or elegant starter on a hot summer day. It's packed with hydrating cucumbers, fresh herbs, and bright lemon for a bowl that's as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

2 large English cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped

1 ripe avocado

1 cup plain unsweetened plain greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt of choice)

¼ cup fresh dill, loosely packed

¼ cup fresh parsley, loosely packed

2 green onions, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 small garlic clove

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ cup cold water (or more, as needed)

Instructions

Add the cucumbers, avocado, coconut yogurt, dill, parsley, green onions, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, sea salt, pepper, and cold water to a high-speed blender.

Blend until completely smooth and creamy, adding a little more cold water if you'd like a thinner consistency.

Taste and adjust with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. The flavors become even better as the soup chills.

Serve cold, garnished with cucumber ribbons, fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly cracked pepper.

🌿 Lisa's Tip

Optional Garnishes

• Thin cucumber ribbons 🥒

• Fresh dill or mint sprigs 🌿

• Chopped chives

• Diced avocado 🥑

• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

• Freshly cracked black pepper