Soup Recipes

Autumn Harvest Soup Recipe

When the days get shorter, the air turns crisp, and the vibrant colors of fall start to paint the landscape, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of autumn harvest soup. This season is all about abundance, warmth, and earthy flavors, and this soup captures all of that in a single bowl. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for cozy evenings spent with loved ones.

Autumn harvest soup combines the best of the season’s produce-root vegetables, squash, and a variety of aromatic herbs. It’s hearty, filling, and versatile, with each spoonful delivering a rich, wholesome flavor profile. Whether you’re looking to create a simple dinner or impress guests at a fall gathering, this soup is your go-to recipe. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe.

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Autumn Harvest Soup Recipe

This autumn harvest soup is a true celebration of the fall season. It’s a blend of roasted butternut squash, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, all simmered together with fragrant herbs and a rich broth. It’s perfect for a chilly evening and can be served as a side dish or a hearty main course.

Ingredients Needed

  • 2 cups of butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a touch of brightness)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roast the vegetables: On a large baking sheet, spread out the cubed butternut squash, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and half of the thyme and sage. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. Cook the aromatics: In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  4. Add the roasted vegetables: Once the vegetables are roasted, transfer them into the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer the soup: Pour in the vegetable broth, add the remaining thyme, sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes so the flavors meld together.
  6. Blend the soup: Once the vegetables are fully softened, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Return to the pot after blending.
  7. Add finishing touches: Stir in the maple syrup and lemon juice to balance the flavors. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, a drizzle of cream (optional), or a few croutons for added texture.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a moment to dive into the key ingredients that make this soup truly shine.

  • Butternut Squash: Known for its sweet, nutty flavor and velvety texture, butternut squash forms the backbone of this soup. It’s rich in beta-carotene, which gives it its bright orange color, and is loaded with vitamins A and C, both essential for immune function during the colder months.
  • Carrots and Parsnips: Both root vegetables bring a natural sweetness and earthy flavor to the mix. Carrots are packed with antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene, while parsnips add a subtle spiciness and depth, as well as a good dose of fiber.
  • Sweet Potato: Another sweet and earthy vegetable that complements the butternut squash beautifully. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, and their natural sugars provide a rich, caramelized flavor when roasted.
  • Herbs & Spices: Thyme, sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg all add layers of depth and warmth. The cinnamon and nutmeg, in particular, give the soup that cozy, fall-like aroma, while thyme and sage add an herbal complexity that enhances the vegetable flavors.

Expert Tips

Want to make this soup even more special? Here are a few expert tips to elevate your autumn harvest soup:

  • Roast the veggies for added depth: Roasting the root vegetables before adding them to the soup brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes their sugars. This step really amplifies the flavor profile of the soup.
  • Use an immersion blender: If you have one, an immersion blender makes puréeing the soup a breeze without the mess of transferring to a regular blender. It also allows you to control the consistency, keeping some texture if you prefer.
  • Control the sweetness: If you want a more savory soup, reduce the amount of maple syrup or omit it altogether. For a sweeter taste, increase the syrup for a more dessert-like finish.
  • Make it creamy: For a velvety texture, add a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or even a dollop of sour cream to your bowl just before serving. This adds richness and balances the earthiness of the vegetables.

Recipe Variations

This autumn harvest soup is incredibly versatile, and you can tweak it based on what you have in your pantry or personal taste. Here are a few variations to consider:

  • Add protein: For a heartier meal, you could add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or white beans to the soup. They’ll provide a boost of protein and turn this into a complete dish.
  • Spicy twist: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic. The spicy kick will add an exciting layer to the soup.
  • Top it off: Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a swirl of pesto for an added burst of flavor and texture.
  • Herb variations: Switch up the herbs! Add rosemary for an extra earthy aroma or swap in fresh parsley for a more vibrant, fresh finish.

Final Words

Autumn harvest soup is everything you want from a fall dish: hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. The blend of roasted root vegetables, aromatic herbs, and warm spices creates a rich and satisfying soup that is perfect for the cooler months. Plus, it’s an incredibly adaptable recipe that you can adjust to suit your taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and the seasonal produce available.

This recipe is great for meal prepping, as it stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can even be frozen for later use. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner or bringing it to a fall gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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