Za’atar Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
Cozy Up with Za’atar Roasted Vegetable Soup: A Middle Eastern Delight
As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Today, we’re sharing a recipe that’s not only incredibly delicious but also packed with flavor and goodness: Za’atar Roasted Vegetable Soup. This isn’t your average vegetable soup; the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the fragrant za’atar spice blend adds a unique and captivating Middle Eastern twist.
This soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a sophisticated starter for a dinner party. It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the optional Greek yogurt garnish.
What makes this soup special?
The secret lies in the roasting! Roasting the butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes intensifies their flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized texture. Za’atar, a vibrant spice blend typically made with sumac, sesame seeds, and thyme, adds a tangy, nutty, and herbaceous note that elevates this soup to another level. The toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor profile.
What You’ll Need:
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are readily available. You’ll need butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, olive oil, cumin, vegetable broth, za’atar, sesame seeds, and your favorite seasonings. A little Greek yogurt and some flatbread are optional, but highly recommended for serving!
Tips for the Best Soup:
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Spread the vegetables in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Adjust the broth: Add more or less vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste and season: Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and za’atar to your liking.
- Get creative with toppings: Besides yogurt and sesame seeds, try a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a swirl of tahini.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is za’atar? Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically includes sumac, sesame seeds, thyme, and other herbs. It has a tangy, nutty, and herbaceous flavor.
- Can I make this soup vegan? Yes! Simply omit the Greek yogurt garnish.
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- How long does this soup keep? Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
We hope you enjoy this flavorful and comforting Za’atar Roasted Vegetable Soup! It’s a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day and experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East.
Za’atar Roasted Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 3 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4.5-6.5 cups vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons za’atar plus extra to garnish
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- to taste sea salt and pepper
- optional Greek yogurt to serve
- optional flatbread to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Chop the butternut squash. Peel and dice the carrots. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes.
- Put the squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes in a large bowl and toss with the olive oil, cumin, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Spread them out onto a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until soft and yielding.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable broth.
- Use an immersion (stick) blender to puree until smooth. (Alternatively, combine everything in a food processor and puree.) Add more broth if necessary, until you get a creamy soup consistency.
- Add the za’atar, salt and pepper to taste, and stir well.
- Serve hot with a sprinkling of za’atar, toasted sesame seeds, and yogurt if desired. Serve with flatbread.
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