Imagine a soup so rich, creamy, and bursting with exotic flavors that it transforms your ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure. This winter squash soup with tahini and zaatar chickpea croutons isn't just a meal—it's a journey through Middle Eastern cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a world of warmth and comfort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- winter squash, peeled and cubed
- olive oil
- onion, chopped
- garlic, minced
- vegetable broth
- tahini
- zaatar spice blend
- chickpeas, cooked
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss cubed winter squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and squash is tender, turning once halfway through cooking.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Transfer roasted squash to the pot with onions and garlic. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Stir in tahini, whisking until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For chickpea croutons, drain and pat cooked chickpeas dry. Toss with olive oil, zaatar spice blend, salt, and pepper.
- Spread seasoned chickpeas on a separate baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy, shaking pan occasionally.
- Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with zaatar-spiced chickpea croutons, and drizzle with additional tahini if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right squash: Select a winter squash like butternut or kabocha for the best flavor and texture.
- Roasting is key: Always roast your squash first to develop deeper, caramelized flavors before blending.
- Chickpea crouton secret: Pat chickpeas completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Tahini trick: Add tahini off the heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth consistency.
- Spice balance: Adjust zaatar and salt to your taste, tasting and seasoning as you go.
- Make ahead friendly: This soup can be prepared in advance and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Garnish generously: The zaatar chickpea croutons add crucial texture, so don't skip this step!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
