Beetroot and Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients

This delicious and nutritious Beetroot and Butternut Squash Soup is made with only a few simple ingredients. You will need: 2 medium beetroots (peeled and diced), 1 small butternut squash (peeled and diced), 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, 600ml of vegetable stock and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.

Instructions

To make this soup begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add in the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Next, add in the diced beetroot and butternut squash and cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring regularly.

Once the vegetables are beginning to soften, add in the salt, thyme and vegetable stock. Bring the soup to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Finally, add in the balsamic vinegar and blitz with a blender or food processor until smooth.

Your Beetroot and Butternut Squash Soup is now ready to serve. Enjoy with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, some freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of parsley.

Serving Suggestions

This Beetroot and Butternut Squash Soup is delicious served with some crusty bread or a side salad. It also makes a great starter or light lunch. You can even serve it with some crispy bacon or chorizo for a heartier main meal.

Nutrition

This Beetroot and Butternut Squash Soup is packed with nutrition. Beetroots are a great source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, folate and manganese. They also contain betalains, which are powerful antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation in the body. Butternut squash is also rich in dietary fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium.

The addition of the balsamic vinegar helps to add a delicious depth of flavour to the soup and is also rich in antioxidants. Olive oil is another great source of healthy fats and antioxidants.

This soup is low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those watching their weight or cholesterol. Plus, it’s a great way to get your five-a-day!