4-5cupsbutternut squashabout 1 large squash, peeled and diced
1teaspoonfresh thyme about 4-5 sprigs
4cupsvegetable brothor chicken broth
1bay leaf
⅓cupcoconut milkfull-fat, or more to taste
1sprinklered pepper flakesoptional, use only if you like spicy
Instructions
In large pot, heat up olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in leeks, onion and minced garlic, and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until leek and onion have softened, stirring often with wooden spoon.
Add salt, black pepper, paprika, fresh thyme and butternut squash to pot and stir in with leeks and onion. Add in red pepper flakes if using (only use if you like spicy). Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes stirring often.
Add in broth and bay leaves. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is cooked through. To check doneness, poke it with tines of fork, if it's tender, it's ready.
Add in coconut milk and continue cooking for about 5 minutes.
Remove butternut squash leek soup from heat, remove bay leaves with spoon. Using immersion blender, start blending soup directly in pot, making circular and up and down motion, until you get to preferred consistency. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use regular blender. You might need to blend soup in batches, use a kitchen towel to open lid to protect your hand, as blender can get really hot.
Coconut milk: if you don't like coconut milk or are allergic, you can use half and half or heavy cream instead.
The nutritional values shown in this recipe are approximate for one suggested serving size using the ingredients listed but not including any optional items and may vary per actual preferred portion sizes.