Step into the cozy kitchen of MySavorista.com, where we believe every flavor has a story to tell. Today, we’re excited to share a recipe that captures the essence of the harvest season – a Creamy Harvest Vegetable Soup with Sage Croutons. Get ready to savor the rich, velvety texture and the burst of seasonal goodness in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Harvest Vegetable Soup with Sage Croutons
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This creamy harvest vegetable soup is a warm hug in a bowl, featuring a lush, velvety texture and a symphony of zesty, earthy flavors. The addition of sage-infused croutons adds a delightful crunch, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Gather your fresh, high-quality ingredients to create this comforting masterpiece. You’ll need a variety of hearty, seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, onions, and potatoes, along with garlic, sage, and a touch of cream to achieve that rich, velvety finish.
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed – Roasted for sweetness and caramelization
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced – Roasted for depth of flavor
- 1 large onion, diced – Sautéed to build the soup base
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds aromatic warmth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free) – Provides a velvety texture
Ingredient Substitutions
- Butternut Squash: Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or parsnips (similar earthy, sweet flavors)
- Heavy Cream: Coconut milk (for a dairy-free version)
How to Make Creamy Harvest Vegetable Soup with Sage Croutons
Begin by roasting the butternut squash and carrots to unlock their natural sweetness and caramelized flavors. While the vegetables are roasting, sauté the onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base for the soup. Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to bring everything together. Simmer the roasted veggies with broth and seasonings, then use an immersion blender to achieve that velvety, creamy texture. Finish the soup by stirring in a touch of cream or dairy-free alternative, and season to perfection. Now, it’s time to prepare the sage croutons, which will add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by roasting the butternut squash and carrots to unlock their natural sweetness and caramelized flavors. While the vegetables are roasting, sauté the onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to bring everything together. Simmer the roasted veggies with broth and seasonings, then use an immersion blender to achieve that velvety, creamy texture.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Finish the soup by stirring in a touch of cream or dairy-free alternative, and season to perfection. Now, it’s time to prepare the sage croutons, which will add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Ladle the creamy harvest vegetable soup into bowls and top with the golden, crispy sage croutons. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh sage leaves for a visually stunning and aromatic presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Hearty Addition: Add cooked chicken or turkey to the soup for a heartier meal.
- Dietary Swap: Make it vegetarian or vegan by omitting the dairy and using a plant-based cream substitute.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations, such as thyme, rosemary, or a touch of smoked paprika.
- Variation 1: Swap in your favorite seasonal veggies, such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or parsnips.
- Variation 2: Use a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crusty bread, fresh salad.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Make-Ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld.
Nutrition Information
This hearty soup is not only comforting but also nutritious. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the seasonal vegetables, while the creamy base provides a satisfying dose of healthy fats and proteins. Enjoy this cozy dish, knowing that you’re nourishing your body with the goodness of the harvest.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No problem! You can use a regular blender or food processor to achieve the desired creamy texture. Just be sure to work in batches and use caution when blending hot liquids.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To make this soup vegan-friendly, substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative, such as unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream. You can also omit the sage croutons and top the soup with toasted nuts or seeds for a crunchy element.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this creamy harvest vegetable soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What should I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with a fresh, crisp salad, warm crusty bread, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a truly comforting and satisfying meal.
Try These Next
- Creamy Pumpkin Chili Mac Casserole With Cheddar Crust
- Harvest Maple Bacon Burger With Spiced Apple Slaw
- Harvest Pumpkin Chili With Cornbread Topping
Creamy Harvest Vegetable Soup with Sage Croutons
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Harvest Vegetable Soup with Sage Croutons is the perfect cozy dish for chilly days. Packed with seasonal vegetables and topped with crispy sage croutons, it’s both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup kale, chopped
1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
4 slices crusty bread
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in carrots, celery, potato, and butternut squash; cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Add kale and cook until wilted.
8. For the croutons, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Toss bread with olive oil and sage; spread on a baking sheet.
10. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
11. Serve soup hot, topped with sage croutons.
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes.
This soup freezes well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: soup, creamy, vegetable, harvest