Smoked Gruyere Butternut Squash Soup with Spicy Chickpeas
Smoked Gruyere Butternut Squash Soup with Spicy Chickpeas is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines roasted sweet butternut squash, smoky Gruyere cheese, and crunchy spicy chickpeas. This creamy and hearty soup delivers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, savory, and sweet notes, making it an ideal meal for any season or occasion.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (firm, bright orange), peeled and cubed
- 1 cup grated smoked Gruyere cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tsp smoked paprika (divided)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Oils and Fats
- 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
Fresh Herbs (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash. Toss the cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden, allowing natural sweetness to caramelize.
- Prepare the Spicy Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. In a bowl, toss them with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast alongside the squash for about 20 minutes or until crispy and crunchy.
- Sauté Aromatics: While roasting, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the roasted butternut squash to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and velvety with no lumps. Return the soup to low heat, then stir in the grated smoked Gruyere cheese until melted and fully incorporated, imparting a rich smoky flavor.
- Serve with Spicy Chickpeas: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and top generously with the roasted spicy chickpeas. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and an optional drizzle of olive oil for extra richness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Roast enough butternut squash to fully develop its sweetness and depth in the soup.
- Use high-quality smoked Gruyere cheese for the best flavor and melting texture.
- Ensure chickpeas are well-drained and patted dry before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Blend the soup thoroughly to achieve a silky smooth texture without lumps.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, balancing salt, smoky, and spicy elements to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups soup with chickpeas)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: smoked gruyere soup, butternut squash soup, spicy chickpeas, roasted squash soup, smoky soup, vegetarian soup, gluten free soup