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Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Cashews and Ginger Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, nourishing bowl that’s bursting with flavor and just a little bit fancy, you have to try this Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Cashews and Ginger Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, with a silky texture and layers of subtle spice from fresh ginger and turmeric. I absolutely love how it brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, balanced by a slight kick of cayenne and the creamy richness from cashews. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything to make sure you nail this comforting soup at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting & Creamy: The cashews add a luscious creaminess without any dairy, making it silky smooth and satisfying.
  • Simply Nourishing: With roasted acorn squash and warming spices, it’s packed with flavor and vitamins.
  • Easy to Prepare: Roasting the squash and onions brings out natural sweetness, and the soup comes together swiftly after that.
  • Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: I’ve served this at casual dinners and holiday get-togethers—everyone asks for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Cashews and Ginger Recipe brings together a handful of simple ingredients that work beautifully in harmony. When shopping, try to get a fresh acorn squash with firm skin and a deep orange color for the best flavor.

  • Red onions: Adds subtle sweetness and depth once roasted, balancing the squash perfectly.
  • Acorn squash: The star of the dish, rich and naturally sweet when roasted, lending a gorgeous orange color.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: For roasting, it crisps up the veggies lightly and enhances flavor.
  • Kosher sea salt: Use it for seasoning during roasting to bring out natural flavors.
  • Vegetable broth: The base liquid that makes this soup hearty without overpowering the squash.
  • Fresh ginger: Adds a fresh, warming bite that wakes up your palate.
  • Ground turmeric: Gives a lovely earthy undertone and vibrant color.
  • Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch provides a gentle kick, but you can adjust to your taste.
  • Unsalted cashews: Soaked and blended, they create the soup’s creamy texture without dairy.
  • Fresh cilantro: For bright, herby garnishing that lifts the whole bowl.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible the Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Cashews and Ginger Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your dietary needs or just to mix things up a bit. Don’t be afraid to experiment! I often switch up the toppings or add different warming spices depending on the season.

  • Make it Vegan: This recipe is naturally plant-based, but I sometimes add a splash of coconut milk for extra richness without altering the vegan vibe.
  • Spice it Up: If you like more heat, I add extra cayenne or a pinch of smoked paprika—gives it a smoky depth that’s amazing.
  • Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, try substituting cashews with cooked white beans or use a handful of cooked rice to keep that smooth texture.
  • Add Herbs: Thyme or rosemary sprigs can be roasted alongside the squash and onions for a fragrant twist I often enjoy during fall.

How to Make Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Cashews and Ginger Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Veggies to Bring Out Their Sweetness

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat—trust me, cleanup is so much easier that way. Toss the quartered red onions and acorn squash wedges in olive oil and salt, then spread them out in a single layer so they roast evenly. Roast for about 40 minutes until the squash feels tender and the onions are beautifully caramelized but not burnt. This roasting step is key—it deepens the natural sugars and gives your soup incredible flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Cashews and Simmer the Broth

While the veggies roast, place your cashews in a small bowl and cover them with about three-quarters of your hot vegetable broth. Let them soak for 10 minutes so they get soft and blend into that creamy base we’re aiming for. Meanwhile, bring the remaining broth to a gentle simmer in a large pot—this is what everything will come together in.

Step 3: Combine, Spice, and Simmer

Once your squash and onions are roasted, peel the tough skin off the squash (this part can be a little fiddly, but the flesh should come away easily if it’s tender enough). Add all the roasted veggies to the simmering broth, then stir in fresh minced ginger, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer partially covered for about 10 minutes. This lets the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.

Step 4: Blitz Until Velvety Smooth

Remove your pot from the heat and stir in the soaked cashews along with their soaking liquid. Now, it’s blender time! Pour the soup into a blender in batches, blending for 1 to 2 minutes until perfectly smooth and creamy. If you’re using a traditional blender, remove the small center lid cap and cover the opening with a kitchen towel—this lets steam escape safely and prevents splatters. Pour back into the pot, taste, and adjust salt or spice as you like.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your soup into bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and a few chopped cashews if you want that extra crunch. Serve warm and enjoy that first spoonful—it’s pure comfort in a bowl!

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Pro Tips for Making Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Cashews and Ginger Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Roasting: Roasting the squash and onions first is a game-changer—it caramelizes their natural sugars and adds a deep, rich flavor to your soup.
  • Soak Cashews Properly: Soaking your cashews in hot broth is my secret for that perfectly creamy texture without blending raw nuts.
  • Mind the Blending Safety: Always vent your blender when pureeing hot soup to avoid any unexpected steam accidents—I learned this the hard way once!
  • Peeling the Squash: Let the squash cool down a bit after roasting to make peeling easier and prevent burns on your fingers.

How to Serve Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Cashews and Ginger Recipe

A white cup filled with smooth, creamy yellow soup topped with a swirl of white cream, small white shredded cheese, and sprinkled green herbs. The cup sits on a white plate with three pieces of toasted bread, lightly browned and topped with melted white cheese and chopped green herbs. A shiny silver spoon rests on the right side of the plate. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface with part of a second plate showing in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping garnishes simple but fresh—chopped cilantro adds a lovely herbaceous note, and extra chopped cashews bring a crunchy contrast to that silky soup. Sometimes, I squeeze a little fresh lime juice on top for a subtle tang that brightens the bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or a warm baguette—perfect for dipping. I also like serving it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in small cups or shot glasses as an elegant starter, topped with a tiny sprig of cilantro and a pinch of chili flakes. It’s a hit with guests and makes the meal feel extra festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like dividing it into two-cup portions—that way, it’s super easy to reheat just the amount I want without going through the whole batch.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I freeze it in the same two-cup containers and usually label them with the date. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge—it preserves both flavor and texture really well.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick after refrigeration, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave works fine too, just warm in short bursts and stir between.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of squash for this soup?

    Absolutely! Butternut squash and kabocha squash also work wonderfully here. Keep in mind that butternut tends to be sweeter and smoother, so you might want to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

  2. Do I have to soak the cashews before blending?

    Soaking cashews softens them and helps create a silky soup texture. Using hot broth for soaking speeds this up—if you skip soaking, the soup might be grainy or less creamy.

  3. Can I make this soup nut-free?

    Yes! You can substitute cashews with cooked white beans or even a starchy vegetable like cooked potato or cauliflower to maintain creaminess without nuts.

  4. How spicy is this soup?

    It has a mild warmth thanks to the ginger, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne. But you can easily make it spicier by adding more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.

  5. Can I make this soup ahead of time for a gathering?

    Definitely! The flavors actually deepen if made a day ahead, and it reheats beautifully. Just keep refrigerated until serving and reheat gently on the stove.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Cashews and Ginger Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s easy to make and feels truly comforting. I love how the roasting step gives it that rich, cozy sweetness, while the ginger and turmeric add complexity that keeps it from being one-dimensional. If you’ve been looking for a soup recipe that hits all the right notes—healthful, tasty, and cozy—this one is a no-brainer. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep coming back for more!

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Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Cashews and Ginger Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 115 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Roasting and Blending
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Roasted Acorn Squash Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash and onions with warming spices like turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Blended with creamy cashews and simmered in vegetable broth, it is a smooth, nourishing soup perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a cozy meal.


Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 medium red onions, peeled and quartered
  • 2 1/2 pounds acorn squash, cut into wedges
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced

Liquids & Broth

  • 6 cups vegetable broth

Oils & Fats

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted cashews (plus optional more chopped for garnish)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher sea salt (plus more to taste)
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (plus more to taste)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional chopped cashews


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with a silicone liner or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Simmer the broth: Pour the vegetable broth into a large pot and bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover to keep warm while you roast the vegetables.
  3. Roast the onions and squash: Toss the quartered onions and acorn squash wedges with olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until evenly coated. Spread the vegetables out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the oven for about 40 minutes, until they are cooked through and lightly browned but not burnt.
  4. Soften the cashews: While the vegetables roast, place the 1/4 cup of unsalted cashews in a small bowl and pour 3/4 of the hot vegetable broth over them. Let this sit for 10 minutes to soften the nuts, which will help achieve a creamy texture in the soup.
  5. Prepare the soup base: Once the roasted vegetables are done, peel the acorn squash wedges to remove the skin and transfer the flesh along with the roasted onions to the pot with the simmering broth. Add minced ginger, ground turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
  6. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer partially covered for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors of the spices and vegetables to meld beautifully.
  7. Add the cashews and blend: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the softened cashews along with their soaking liquid. Carefully pour the soup in batches into a blender; blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. When using a conventional blender, keep steam from escaping by removing the small center lid cap and covering the opening with a kitchen towel while blending.
  8. Final seasoning and serve: Return the pureed soup to the saucepan, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or cayenne if desired. Warm through as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped cashews if using. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Leftover soup lasts for 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • The soup freezes well; store cooled soup in two-cup containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To thaw frozen soup, place it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33.5 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 4.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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