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Squash and Fennel Soup with Caramelized Apple

Squash and Fennel Soup with Caramelized Apple

Silky butternut squash and aromatic fennel blend into a cozy soup, finished with buttery caramelized apple on top.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1.5 cup thinly sliced fennel bulb
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 lb peeled, diced butternut squash
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 0.13 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
  • 4 cup vegetable broth preferably low-sodium
  • 0.33 cup heavy cream or to taste
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1.5 cup chopped tart apple such as Granny Smith
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp chopped fennel fronds for garnish
  • 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish, optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Gather and prep produce: cube squash, slice fennel, chop onion, and mince garlic.
  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Soften onion and fennel until translucent, 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in garlic, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add squash and toss to coat with the aromatics.
  • Pour in broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until squash is very tender, 20–25 minutes.
  • Blend soup until silky using an immersion blender. Stir in cream and adjust seasoning.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apple and brown sugar; cook until golden, 5–7 minutes.
  • Splash in vinegar and toss to glaze. Remove from heat.
  • Ladle soup into bowls. Top with caramelized apple, fennel fronds, and pumpkin seeds.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, swap coconut milk for the cream and use oil instead of butter. Try a pinch of curry powder with the aromatics for a warm twist. Refrigerate soup (without apples) up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months; cook the apple topping fresh for best texture.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Squash and Fennel Soup with Caramelized Apple flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.