Butternut squash soup gets an upgrade with smoky paprika, a bit of cayenne, and a hearty helping of seared kielbasa sausage and golden brown brussels sprouts on top.
September gave us a proper Minnesota send-off this weekend with temperatures creeping back into the 80s. Everyone in the state ran to their lake homes or headed for the Lake Superior shoreline where they proceeded to recline in a lawn chair with their eyes closed in a desperate attempt to capture the moment to carry with them into the cold winter months.
My husband managed this by loading up his motorcycle and venturing out to the river road, only to run into lake traffic and then be further thwarted by seize-the-day campers. The kids spent a morning on the ice curling before we set off for one last outdoor swim session and then watched the sunset and indulged in ice cream. The windows were again opened, the cool night air tucking us into bed.
I’ve been keeping an eye on my neighbors’ sugar maple flame. What started as a smattering of red and orange flames licking the sky has crept down the sides of the towering tree. The colorful foliage seems to spread in a matter of hours, and soon the whole of the leaves will be consumed.
So it goes, the constant spark of fall, running to finish all the final outings and squeeze in last-minute projects before the snow flies. This soup-turned-meal is one of those back-pocket ideas that you pull out and have on the table in a matter of minutes. The convenience of starting with everyday butternut squash soup makes it quick and easy and anything but bland.
Pacific Foods asked me to try a few of their staple foods that have recently been Non-GMO Verified. I agreed, eager to try a few new staples for inclusion in my pantry. In addition to several of their non-dairy milk products were several soup bases and their Organic Creamy Butternut Squash Soup. With the weather cooling, this practically jumped in the pan on its own.
Smoked paprika gives extra depth and character to our sweet and creamy butternut squash. A bit of cayenne helps to temper the sweetness, and crisped pieces of salty kielbasa and golden brussels sprouts top the soup and turn it into a meal. I used bacon grease in place of butter for searing my sausage and brussels sprouts. You don't have to, but it is mighty nice.
Smoky Butternut Squash Soup with Seared Kielbasa and Toasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
No butternut squash soup? Make your own. Take 2 cups of butternut squash puree and 3 cups of chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Season with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, and salt. Stir in a small bit of cream or yogurt to reach the desired consistency.
Pacific Foods graciously paid me for the cost of ingredients and for my time to create this recipe for them.
This could not be prettier. Honestly WOW! And I love the flavors!
Gorgeous Shaina. And yeah… bacon grease instead of butter? Kinda genius. 🙂
Oh goodness. Yes to all of that! I love Pacific Food products. Pinned!
Love the apple and smoked sausage that you added to this tasty soup!
This is just beyond gorgeous. I kinda want to dive in head first.
You had me at smoked paprika!!
First off this soup is GORGEOUS and I am in love with these flavors. I definitely want to try it out for my family.
Love butternut soup and am really digging using smoked paprika in so many dishes. Just used it in garden tomato soup … LOVE the flavor!
This is gorgeous! I absolutely love the addition of sausage.
This looks awesome – my kind of soup for sure!
This soup is Fall perfection! Want!!
This looks amaaazing! I love how simple it is, too. I need to remember to make more hearty soups this fall. Thanks for the recipe!
Shaina, love your writing!! gorgeous opening. . I was right there with you in your home. . and love the addition of the kielbasa sausage and brussels sprouts. Perfection.
I have tried that soup and really like it! I love how you turned it into something so amazing, my mouth is watering!
Gor.ge.ous. I have to admit I’m not quite ready to let go of summer, but I will if it means slurping soups like this!
I’m getting ready to make butternut squash soup for dinner and really, really wish I had kielbasa to make this right now!!
This soup looks amazing! Love the addition of kielbasa and brussels sprouts.
Yum. The kielbasa and Brussels sprouts look like an amazing addition.
Pass me a spoon! Delicious!
All the flavors in this look divine!! So, so good. Can’t wait to try this one!
wow… those colors and flavors and ingredients are stunning! love this recipe.
I love the idea of apples in the butternut squash soup…I never thought of this! It could even work with pumpkin!!
Thanks!!
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This soup sounds so easy. I love the kind of soups
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