Sautee the onion and garlic with the olive oil in a large pan until translucent.
1 small onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil
Add the squash and veggie stock. (You want the stock to cover the veggies - add more water if needed) .
450 g butternut squash, 750 ml vegetable stock
Simmer for 10 mins & add the beans & herbs.
240 g cooked white beans , 2 teaspoon rosemary or thyme
Simmer for another 10 mins until the squash is completely soft and all the veggies start to collapse.
Add a little extra water if needed, then squish with a potato masher or partially blend with an immersion blender. You want the texture to be creamy, but with some satisfying chunks.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the crispy topping
Finely chop the kale and saute in a pan for around 3 minutes with the olive oil & garlic.
100 g kale, 40 g pine nuts, 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon olive oil
Add the pine nuts and sautee for a few more minutes until the kale is crispy and the pine nuts are toasted.
Remove the garlic before serving.
Video
Notes
Hint: if you want to add extra seasonings such as chili or curry, add them at the same time the squash is sautéing in the pan. This enhances their flavours.
🌶️Substitutions & Variations
This butternut squash and white bean soup is very versatile, and can be switched up according to what you have or what you love to eat:
Other Beans: Choose Great Northern Beans, navy Beans, Adzuki beans or even chickpeas.
Other squash types: try Kabocha, Queensland Blue or any other full flavoured squash or pumpkin in place of the butternut.
Extra Spicy: add cumin, chili powder or some smoked hot paprika to bump up the flavour.
Curried: Add some garam masala or curry paste to the soup after you cook down the onions.
Smooth and Creamy: For a silky smooth texture, blend the soup thoroughly, either with a stick immersion blender or (carefully) in a jug blender.
A little extra acidity: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to make the flavours ping.
HINT: If you're using a fresh squash and it's a little tricky for you to cut, try microwaving it for a few minutes until it softens, then cut it.