French-Spiced Miso and Butternut Squash Soup
A creamy blend of Japanese miso, French herbs, and roasted butternut squash. This french-inspired soups (dairy-free, vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs large butternut squash, miso paste, leeks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 2 tbsp miso paste
- 2 leeks
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 tsp thyme
- 100ml white wine
- 600ml vegetable broth
- 200ml coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 2 leeks (white and light green parts only) into 1/2-inch slices and finely chop 2 stalks celery. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the leeks and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are translucent and fragrant. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
- Step 2: Add 1 large butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes), 1 tsp thyme, and 100ml white wine to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and the wine has mostly evaporated. Tip: Check the squash periodically to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp miso paste, ensuring it dissolves completely into the liquid. Add 600ml vegetable broth, then bring the mixture back to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and add 200ml coconut milk. Let it heat for 5 minutes, until the soup is creamy and fragrant. Tip: Add the coconut milk after the broth to prevent curdling.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth, with no lumps. Return to the pot if using a blender, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Tip: For a smoother texture, blend in two batches if using a regular blender.
- Step 5: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley, sprinkled evenly over the surface. Serve immediately while hot. Tip: Add the parsley at the end to preserve its vibrant color and flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does French-Spiced Miso and Butternut Squash Soup take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover French-Spiced Miso and Butternut Squash Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large butternut squash from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in French-Spiced Miso and Butternut Squash Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale French-Spiced Miso and Butternut Squash Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is French-Spiced Miso and Butternut Squash Soup dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.