BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

As we approach winter and the cold weather, a big bowl of soup can always make us feel good, both mentally and physically. The wintertime colds increase our risks of getting sick, which is never fun. Therefore, it is important to provide our seniors with resources that can prevent them from getting sick, especially amid the COVID pandemic. Soup is a great meal option for seniors because it is filling, easy to digest, and oftentimes nutrient-packed. There are a great deal of soup recipes that are excellent for immune-system boosting, or for fighting off illness, come the change in weather. There are countless reasons as to why soup is a popular immune-boosting meal, making it a great option for seniors.

For one, warm and nutrient-rich soups are hydrating and can aid with respiratory inflammation. Many ingredients in healthy soups contain the necessary minerals and vitamins, which help to fend off any potential illness and aids in maintaining a strong immune system. We invested in making sure our seniors maintain a strong immune system, as the stronger it is, the better they are going to feel on an everyday basis and for the long term.

Butternut squash has a nutty and sweet flavour, similar to a pumpkin. The squash can be made in numerous ways. It can be toasted, sautéed, roasted, and mashed. However, it is puréed to make a tasty bowl of soup.

Butternut squash soup is a delicious and healthy dish that you can add to your lifestyle. Butternut squash contains two very strong antioxidants. Just one serving of butternut squash soup will give you over half of the vitamin C recommended to consume everyday. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells, and this aids in fighting off disease and infection. The second antioxidant within Butternut Squashes is Vitamin A. This vitamin is fat-soluble and is naturally present in foods such as Butternut Squash. Research has shown that vitamin A can reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer. Additionally, Vitamin A can help one's vision, and this is especially significant for seniors as vision loss is common in elderly people.

As seniors get older, they can experience vitamin deficiencies for a variety of reasons, such as skipping meals, or medications interfering with the absorption of vitamins, along with other health issues. In addition to fighting off infection, vitamin C helps to support healthy joints and builds strong blood vessels. The health benefits of butternut squash does not end here. Cooked butternut squash provides a healthy balance of carbs, protein, fibre, potassium, calcium, iron, and copper, along with other nutrient sources.

This butternut squash soup recipe is a great seasonal meal choice as we head into the colder weather. However, it can be integrated into your regular diet, as it acts as a concentrated bowl of nutrients necessary to long-term health. Additionally, butternut squash soup is a practical and convenient meal for caregivers to provide for their clients because leftovers only require heating up and can be prepared in advance, instead of requiring extensive cooking.

RECIPE

Description: A simple, savoury and creamy dish that is ideal for the fall and winter months! Curried Butternut Squash Soup, immersed with coconut milk and yellow curry powder.

Preparation Time: 10-15 Minutes

Cook Time: 25 Minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 thinly diced shallots
2 minced garlic cloves
1 small butternut squash
1 pinch of salt and black pepper (or more to taste)
1 ½ tablespoon yellow curry powder
¼ tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 14-ounce can full fat coconut milk
2 cups of vegetable broth
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
1-2 tablespoons chili garlic paste (optional)

For Serving

Toasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Bring a large pot to medium heat.
Once hot, add olive oil, diced shallots, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauteé ingredients for 3 minutes, stirring regularly.
Add butternut squash to pot, then season with salt, pepper, yellow curry powder, and ground cinnamon. Stir to combine seasonings.
Cover the pot with a lid and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add coconut milk, vegetable broth, maple syrup, and chili garlic paste (optional) to pot.
Bring pot to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, and cover pot again. Let simmer for around 15 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender.
Using a blender, pureé soup mixture on high until smooth and creamy. Then return soup back to pot.
Taste and add/adjust seasonings as desired.
Let soup cook for 2-3 more minutes over high heat
Store leftovers in covered container in refrigerator for 4-5 days. Good in the freezer up to 1 month.

Enjoy!

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe