Butternut Squash Vegan Recipes UK: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Butternut squash is a staple in many UK kitchens, especially during the cooler months when its sweet, nutty flavour brings warmth and comfort to any meal. For those following a vegan lifestyle or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based dishes, butternut squash offers endless possibilities.

Its creamy texture and natural sweetness make it an ideal ingredient for soups, stews, roasts, and even salads. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of delicious butternut squash vegan recipes perfect for UK palates, showcasing how versatile and nourishing this humble vegetable can be.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious to try something new, these recipes promise to delight your taste buds and keep your meals exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butternut squash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants. These vegan recipes are crafted to highlight the squash’s natural sweetness while combining it with herbs, spices, and other wholesome ingredients that complement the UK’s seasonal produce.

You’ll find these dishes easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests. Plus, all recipes are 100% plant-based, making them great options for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Ingredients

• Butternut squash (about 1 medium, peeled and cubed)
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Onion – 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced
• Vegetable stock – 750 ml
• Coconut milk – 200 ml (optional, for creaminess)
• Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander – 1 teaspoon
• Fresh thyme – 2 teaspoons, chopped
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Fresh parsley – for garnish
• Chickpeas – 1 can (400g), drained and rinsed (optional)
• Maple syrup – 1 tablespoon (optional, for roasting)

Equipment

• Sharp vegetable peeler
• Large chopping board
• Chef’s knife
• Large saucepan or soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Blender or immersion blender
• Baking tray
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas Mark 6.
2. Prepare the butternut squash: Peel, deseed, and cut the squash into approximately 2cm cubes. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and if using, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a caramelised finish.
3. Roast the squash: Spread the cubes evenly on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and golden.
4. Sauté the aromatics: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
5. Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and fresh thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the roasted squash and stock: Transfer the roasted butternut squash to the saucepan and pour in the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavours to meld.
7. Blend the soup: Use a blender or immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more stock or water.
8. Add coconut milk: Stir in the coconut milk for creaminess, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Optional chickpeas: For added protein and texture, stir in the rinsed chickpeas and warm through for 5 minutes.
10. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Roasting the butternut squash before adding it to the soup intensifies its natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavour.

For a heartier meal, try adding roasted kale or spinach just before serving. You can also sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a satisfying crunch.

Looking for a spicy kick? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper during the sautéing stage.

Try swapping coconut milk for oat or almond milk if you prefer a lighter version.

Nutrition Facts

*Reference Daily Intake based on adult UK guidelines

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this comforting butternut squash soup with warm crusty bread, such as a rustic sourdough or vegan garlic bread. Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil for a balanced meal.

For a more filling option, serve alongside quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious soup.

If you’re looking for more vegan inspiration, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the hearty Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

More Butternut Squash Vegan Recipes UK

Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpea Salad

• Ingredients: Roasted butternut squash, chickpeas, baby spinach, red onion, walnuts, lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
• Instructions: Toss roasted squash and chickpeas with spinach, finely sliced red onion, and toasted walnuts. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

• Ingredients: Cooked pasta (penne or fusilli), roasted butternut squash purée, garlic, nutritional yeast, almond milk, fresh sage, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Blend roasted squash with garlic, almond milk, and nutritional yeast until creamy. Toss with cooked pasta and sautéed sage. Season well and serve warm.

Butternut Squash and Lentil Curry

• Ingredients: Butternut squash cubes, red lentils, coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, ginger, onion, tomatoes, coriander, salt, and chili flakes.
• Instructions: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger with curry powder. Add squash, lentils, chopped tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer until lentils are tender. Garnish with fresh coriander.

For more vegan and plant-based recipes that celebrate seasonal ingredients, be sure to explore other delicious ideas like our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or the vibrant Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Conclusion

Butternut squash is a true star ingredient in vegan cooking, especially in the UK where seasonal produce is celebrated for its freshness and flavour. These recipes showcase how easy it is to create comforting, nutrient-rich meals that satisfy both the palate and the body.

Whether you’re making a warming soup, a vibrant salad, or a creamy pasta, butternut squash lends itself beautifully to a variety of dishes that are perfect for every occasion. Embrace the versatility of this gorgeous vegetable and enjoy experimenting with flavours that highlight the best of what plant-based cooking has to offer.

Happy cooking!

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