Miso-Ginger Butternut Squash Soup
Miso-Ginger Butternut Squash Soup- infused with the rich umami flavors of roasted butternut squash and fermented miso, this soup is just as nourishing as it is delicious. (vegan, gluten-free + nut-free)
Are you guys as excited for soup season as I am?
I’ve never been one of those people that eats soup in the summertime but as soon as the cool weather rolls in, IT’S ON.
So soup and salad is sure to be on the weekly menu from here on out. Along with pizza and salad, of course. Basically we just eat soup, pizza and salad. I like to consider that the diet of champions.
Let’s talk about the fantasticalness that is this soup. If you’ve never ventured into the miso-ginger territory please take my friendly advice and start NOW. The flavors are just so right together, especially when they’re paired with caramelized roasted butternut squash.
Miso is essentially fermented bean paste and while it’s most commonly made from soybeans, there are versions made from chickpeas as well. So it’s easy to make this soup soy-free, if desired.
The miso gives the soup a rich umami flavor and mild sweetness that highlights the fresh ginger. In addition to that there’s diced celery, shallot and chili powder for plenty of savory goodness.
I will admit, this isn’t necessarily the fastest recipe because it takes a while to roast the squash but I promise it’s worth it. Plus you can always do other things while you wait for it to roast so all is not lost.
I swirled coconut milk in the top for looks but didn’t use any in the recipe, although it would go really well if you have some on hand. You can just sub it in place of the water.
It’s easily one of our favorite soups to date so I you’ll give it a try. It’s the perfect recipe to welcome fall.
Miso-Ginger Butternut Squash Soup
Yield: 4 bowls
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Ingredients:
- 2 lb butternut squash (3 cups cooked flesh)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped shallot (about 3 shallots, or 1 small onion)
- 3/4 cup finely chopped carrots (about 4 carrots)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery (about 3 celery stalks)
- 2-inches fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped*
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chickpea miso
- 3 cups vegetable broth + 1 cup water**
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425°F then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
Slice the stem of the top of the squash then cut lengthwise down the center so that you have two halves. Using a spoon, scoop the flesh and seeds out of the bottom bulb. Rub a bit of high heat oil on the flesh then place face down on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until soft when you squeeze the outside with a baking mitt. Set aside.
In a large pot, warm one tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot, carrot, celery, ginger, garlic, turmeric, chili powder and a pinch of salt. Stir together then saute for about 5 minutes.
Using a spoon, scoop the roasted butternut squash flesh into the pot, leaving the skin behind. Add the miso and vegetable broth then stir to combine. Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a low boil. Cook for 10 minutes then set aside to cool.
Transfer the mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender in the pot) and blend until smooth. Pour back to the pot and warm over low heat for a few minutes until heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!
*Fresh ginger adds a little kick of spice. If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, you may want to reduce the amount to 1-inch (about 1/2 tablespoon).
** For an extra creamy soup, substitute 1 cup coconut milk for the water.
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #makingthymeforhealth. I love hearing your feedback!
I wish it were cold enough for me to want soup! How is it still in the 80s? It’s getting annoying haha. I do love me some butternut squash soup so I’m sure I would love this version!
Side note- I bought tempeh for the first time ever and thought you’d be proud of me. I have no idea what to do with it……but I have it lol
It was chilly when I made this soup, I swear! lol
Now it’s super humid and muggy, bleh. Hopefully it will pass soon!
I almost missed the part about the tempeh! Congrats on venturing into new territory!! #proudmom :)
This is one of my favorite recipes with tempeh: https://www.makingthymeforhealth.com/smoky-maple-tempeh-hash-brussels-sprouts/ Not sure if you would be into those flavors but I thought I would suggest it anyway. If you find another recipe you like just make sure to either heat the sauce or the tempeh before you let it marinate. That helps it absorb the flavor much better!
I didn’t realize there’s chickpea miso! How about that… and it’s funny because I’ve seen that container at the store, just never studied it! LOL – I don’t mind how long roasting takes, ever! The flavors that come from roasted veggies is totally worth the wait! This soup, oooooh I’m so into soup season. But I gotta say, I’m still enjoying heirlooms, corn and peppers right now, so I’ve only cut into one squash so far this season. But I’m collecting squash.. the pile has started! Delicious work Sarah!
Oh I would be enjoying those too if I still lived on the west coast! Our tomatoes were gone almost a month ago here and squash took their place. It’s been an interesting adjustment from Cali’s plentiful produce (and those incredible heirlooms…) but I’m thankful that we have so many local farmers here!
I normally add ginger to my butternut squash soup but haven’t ever tried it with miso yet…this sounds phenomenal! I haven’t seen chickpea miso and it’s definitely on my list to try now. While I love soup year round, it’s so much more enjoyable in the cooler months. This is such a cozy bowl!
It adds so much flavor! You should definitely give it a try!
It’s been in the 70s and 80s here lately, but I’ve still jumped into soup season anyways! This one looks delicious – I love the addition of miso and ginger to it!
Looks amazing. I will have to try this. I’ve never used miso.
For some reason I’m shocked you’ve never used miso! It gives recipes so much depth. If you can find the chickpea miso I think you’d love it!
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Can you substitute Red Miso or will it be too strong? I have only used the white…
Hi Carole! I think red miso will work just as well. Let me know if you give it a try! :)
Thank you, I will give it a shot and let you know ;)
The soap is to die for! Definitely pre-roast the squash. It gives a delightful richness to the dish. Can Chickpea Miso be purchased locally?
Hi Jude! I buy the chickpea miso at Earth Fare but I’ve also found it at Whole Foods. Most health food stores carry it, although your regular grocery store might be able to order it if you ask them. The brand is Miso Master. :)
I made this soup tonight for dinner. I used some already cubed butternut squash from the produce department in the store. It was delicious on a cool night in Alabama.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to comment! :)
Made this with both roasted butternut squash and acorn squash, doubled the recipe and used hacho miso, the dark brown variety. Processed the vegetables before sautéing instead of chopping to save time. Used better than bouillon in place of vegetable broth and topped with feta. Delicious, even if I changed the recipe to use what I had.. great.
Today I am making this beautiful soup and actually making a large batch to freeze. Using one butternut and one buttercup squash. I have never used miso before so cannot wait to taste what it will add to this soup.I always use “better than bouillon” I could not be without it. It has changed the way I cook.
Oh my goodness, this soup was amazing! Will definitely be making this all through the season. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for the review!
Really really good, and a perfect ‘let food be they medicine’ concoction, which is what I needed. With the core ingredients you can’t go too far wrong. And this makes it great for substituting ingredients in and out, so you can do a good job of using what you already have. I’ve been sick so I was boiling chicken bones already, and I randomly have the chickpea miso, as well as sweet potatoes. I subbed veg broth for my chicken broth – always better ;) – and sweet potatoes for squash. Left out celery and carrots (didn’t have them) but I’m sure they’d add to the dish – especially the celery. Added roughly half a can of coconut milk, which I think you’d be silly not to. Easy a 5-star result and a great way to consume this super healthy miso paste – thanks!
Its freezing here in the UK … so glad i have found your recipes … love all the ones ive tried so far. Just a quick question… can i use white miso and is it the same quantity as chickpea miso?
Yes that will work! Try to stay warm. :)
SO tasty! I made this yesterday and it was so warm, comforting and super filling! The coconut milk really takes it to another level. Will definitely be making this again for my family :)
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for the review, Tabitha!