Description
This creamy, plant-based, gluten-free Kabocha Squash Leek Soup is resplendent with the rustic flavors of winter squash, leeks, pistachios, and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 small (about 2 pounds) kabocha squash (may substitute with another squash)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 leek, trimmed, sliced (white and green parts)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup pistachios (plus more for garnish)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened plant-based milk (i.e., soy, almond, coconut)
- Salt and pepper (if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Slice squash in half, scoop out seeds, and then slice each half into four pieces.
- Place in a baking dish filled with ½-inch water. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place in oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, just until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove squash from oven and allow to cool slightly. Scoop out cooked squash from the peel with a spoon. Set aside.
- While squash is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot. Add leek and garlic and sauté for 8 minutes.
- Add tarragon, oregano, marjoram, bay leaves, and pistachios and sauté for another minute.
- Add vegetable broth and cooked squash and bring to a simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and turn off heat.
- Add plant-based milk. Use immersion blender and blend soup until smooth and creamy (or place soup in a blender container and puree). Add salt and pepper (if desired). Turn on medium heat to bring soup just to a simmer. Remove from heat. Serve in bowls and garnish with additional pistachios if desired.
Notes
Instant Pot directions: Slice kabocha squash into large pieces, scoop out seeds, and peel it. Place the squash, along with the olive oil, leek, garlic, tarragon, oregano, marjoram, bay leaves, pistachios, and vegetable broth in the container of the Instant Pot. Press “Soup” setting. Cook according to manufacturer’s directions. When done, remove the bay leaf and add plant-based milk. Puree soup in a blender container and add salt and pepper (if desired). Turn on medium heat to bring soup just to a simmer. Remove from heat. Serve in bowls and garnish with additional pistachios if desired.
Slow cooker directions: Slice kabocha squash into large pieces, scoop out seeds, and peel it. Place the squash, along with the olive oil, leek, garlic, tarragon, oregano, marjoram, bay leaves, pistachios, and vegetable broth in the container of the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4–6 hours or on low for 8–12 hours. Cook according to manufacturer’s directions. Cook according to manufacturer’s directions. When done, remove the bay leaf and add plant-based milk. Puree soup in a blender container and add salt and pepper (if desired). Turn on medium heat to bring soup just to a simmer. Remove from heat. Serve in bowls and garnish with additional pistachios if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 53 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 297 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g