Imagine a culinary symphony of flavors and colors, a masterpiece born of the union of vibrant oranges and rustic greens. A velvety Turmeric Spiced Butternut Squash Soup crowned with tantalizing Zaatar Croutons invites you on a sensory journey that awakens the palate and warms the soul.
As you take your first spoonful, the velvety butternut squash soup envelops your taste buds in a warm embrace, while the zaatar croutons provide a symphonic counterpoint, a delightful contrast of textures and a burst of aromatic splendor.
A Golden Bowl of Comfort 🧡
Butternut Squash Soup with Zaatar Croutons Serving Suggestions
When serving your Butternut squash soup, make sure to pair it with the right side dishes to create a well-rounded dish. Here are a few suggestions:
Pairing this creamy soup with a refreshing side of salad would create a perfect balance. You can choose any salad you like from the classic Fattoush to something a bit more extra like this Santa Fe Chicken Salad With Creamy Chipotle Dressing.
To embrace the Middle Eastern feel, serve this soup with a Mediterranean mezze platter including Hummus Bil Lahme, Baba Ghanoush, and pita bread.
This butternut squash soup pairs perfectly well with a dish of fragrant rice. Your options here are endless, you have Authentic Mansaf, Yemeni Chicken Mandi, Authentic Saudi Chicken Kabsa, or just a simple Aromatic Spiced Yellow Rice dish.
When Soup Becomes Art
Zaatar Croutons in Creative Ways
Zaatar croutons are a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes. Here are some recipes where you can use them:
Prepare your favorite Mediterranean salad and toss some zaatar croutons into it. They can make a big difference to a simple salad consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. Or they can be incorporated as a Middle Eastern twist on the classic Caesar salad.
Use zaatar croutons to make crusted chicken. What you have to do is to crush the zaatar croutons and use them as a coating for chicken breasts or thighs before baking or pan-frying.
You can add Zaatar croutons to your favorite soup to give it a delicious crunch.
Crunch, crunch, crunch!
Pro Tips
If you’re using water instead of broth, you will need a little more salt. I suggest adding bullion powder if you have it.
Make sure you cut your toast as evenly as possible to prevent some pieces from becoming overly crispy while others are undercooked.
To ensure that the zaatar croutons stay crunchy, make sure to wait for them to cool down before adding them to the soup.
If you would like a spicy kick to your butternut squash soup, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper while sautéing the onions and garlic.
The Soul-soothing Bowl
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, of course, you can use your favorite type of bread. You can mix different types of bread if you want.
Yes, you can freeze your soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You’re ready to enjoy, thaw it, and add your zaatar croutons.
While fresh butternut squash has a better flavor and texture, frozen butternut squash can also be used.
A Middle Eastern Twist to Classic Comfort
Butternut Squash Soup With Zaatar Croutons Ingredients
Butternut squash: The main ingredient; it is what gives the soup a rich and velvety base.
Yellow onion: It enhances the overall savory character of the soup.
Garlic cloves: It infuses a warm and aromatic note, balancing the flavors and adding a comforting richness.
Olive oil: It imparts a smooth, silky mouthfeel to the soup, enhancing its luxurious texture.
Water: You can use vegetable broth instead.
Salt: It enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and ensures a well-balanced taste profile.
Dried thyme: Introduces earthy and herbal undertones, adding a layer of complexity to the soup’s aroma.
Coconut cream or heavy milk: An optional topping, but it adds a luscious, creamy finish to the soup.
Maple syrup: Optional, but if used, it adds a little sweetness.
Pepitas: Also known as pumpkin seeds, for serving, they provide a satisfying crunch and nuttiness.
Seasonings: ground ginger, ground cinnamon, black pepper, sumac, and turmeric.
Zaatar Croutons:
Toast: When cut into small pieces, croutons add a delightful crunch to the soup.
Olive oil: It helps the za’atar stick to the surface of the bread and it also helps enhance the overall taste and texture of the croutons.
Zaatar: It adds a Middle Eastern touch to your soup.
Here’s The Secret To That Irresistible Crunch 👇
Steps To Prep
To start, cut the toast into cubes and toss with the olive oil and zaatar.
Air-fry on 400℉ for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
Next, add olive oil to a pot, then add the onion and garlic.
Then, sauté on high until fragrant and onions become translucent.
After that, add the cubed and peeled squash, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
Now, add the seasonings and broth, and cook on high until it bubbles and boils about 8-10 minutes.
Then, cover and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes or until fork tender.
Once done, blend using an immersion blender or let it cook for 10 minutes before transferring to a standup blender.
Lastly, you can top it with cream and pepitas if you like.
Serve with zaatar croutons and enjoy!
Your New Go-to Fall Recipe 🍂
Recipes You Need To Try:
Restaurant Style Butter Chicken (cheat version)
Santa Fe Chicken Salad With Creamy Chipotle Dressing
Middle Eastern Restaurant-Style Chicken
Rich White Hot Chocolate Recipe
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Turmeric Spiced Butternut Squash Soup With Zaatar Croutons
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed (about 4 lbs.) (or 5 cups pre cut)
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cups water or vegetable broth
- salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon sumac
- 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1¼ teaspoons ground ginger
- coconut cream or heavy milk (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoons maple syrup optional, adds a little sweetness
- pepitas for serving
Za'atar croutons
- 3 slices toast cut into cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons za'atar
Instructions
- Cut the toast into cubes and toss with the olive oil and za'atar. Air-fry at 400℉ for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add olive oil to a pot, then add the onion and garlic.
- Sauté on high until fragrant and onions become translucent.
- Add the cubed and peeled squash, and saute for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the seasonings and broth, and cook on high until it bubbles and boils about 8-10 minutes.
- Cover and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes or until fork tender.
- Once done, blend using an immersion blender or let it cook for 10 minutes before transferring to a standup blender.
- Top with some cream (optional) and pepitas.
- Serve with zaatar croutons.