As winter gives way to spring, there's nothing quite like a bowl of vibrant, golden soup that warms your soul while actively fighting for your health. This Cancer-Fighting Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is liquid sunshine packed with nature's most powerful protective compounds—proof that taking charge of your health can be both satisfying and deeply nourishing.
The Power of Each Ingredient
This soup's cancer-fighting power comes from carefully selected ingredients that work together to protect your cells. Butternut squash delivers beta-carotene—the antioxidant that creates that gorgeous golden color while defending against cellular damage.
Turmeric and black pepper form a powerful duo, with the pepper enhancing absorption of turmeric's anti-inflammatory curcumin. Roasted garlic and onions provide sulfur compounds that support your body's natural detoxification processes, while fresh ginger adds gentle anti-nausea properties alongside inflammation-fighting benefits.
The leafy greens sneak in folate and protective phytonutrients, making each spoonful a concentrated dose of cancer-fighting nutrition that tastes like pure comfort.
The Recipe
Cancer-Fighting Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Serves 6-8 as a main course
For Roasting:
- 1 large butternut squash (3-4 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 6 garlic cloves, unpeeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (essential for turmeric absorption)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
For the Soup Base:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 4-5 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2-3 cups fresh kale or spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cancer-Fighting Garnishes:
- ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables (30 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Toss cubed butternut squash and whole garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sprinkle with turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt
- Spread on a large baking sheet in a single layer
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized
Step 2: Build the Soup Base (15 minutes)
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat
- Sauté diced onion until golden and translucent (5-6 minutes)
- Add grated ginger and cardamom, cook for 1 minute or until fragrant
- Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from their skins and add to pot
Step 3: Blend and Simmer (10 minutes)
- Add roasted butternut squash to the pot
- Pour in 4 cups of broth and bring to a simmer
- Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth and creamy
- Stir in coconut milk and additional broth if needed for desired consistency
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Step 4: Add Final Cancer-Fighting Elements (3 minutes)
- Stir in chopped kale or spinach
- Cook just until greens are wilted (2-3 minutes)
- Taste and adjust seasoning
Step 5: Serve with Power Toppings
- Ladle soup into bowls
- Top each serving with:
-
- 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds
- ½ tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
- Fresh thyme leaves
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Make It Your Own
While this soup is already a nutritional powerhouse, you can enhance its cancer-fighting properties even further:
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving to boost nutrient absorption
- Include a handful of fresh cilantro for additional detoxification support
- Stir in a tablespoon of tahini for extra selenium and creaminess
- Top with hemp hearts instead of flaxseeds for varied omega-3 fatty acids
- Add a pinch of saffron during cooking for additional antioxidants and a luxurious flavor
- Include roasted beets alongside the butternut squash for extra betalains
Storage and Meal Prep Magic
This soup is a meal-prepper's dream and gets more delicious as flavors develop. Store the base soup (without garnishes) refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Prepare garnish ingredients separately and add them fresh to each serving for maximum nutrition and texture.
A Bowl of Protection
Whether you're making this soup for proactive health or supporting someone through a healing journey, each bowl represents a powerful choice toward wellness. The warming spices, creamy texture, and vibrant color create comfort from the inside out.
Remember, building long-term health happens one nourishing meal at a time. This soup makes that journey both manageable and genuinely enjoyable.
Monitoring Your Wellness Journey
Speaking of proactive health choices, the Ruby app can be a helpful companion in monitoring how nutritional changes affect your overall wellness. Using patented fingernail selfie technology, Ruby estimates your Iron Score and Circulation Score, helping you track how dietary improvements may support your blood health over time. As always, consult with your healthcare provider about any significant dietary changes, especially if you're managing health concerns.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)
Calories: ~185
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Sodium: 320mg
Potassium: 580mg
Vitamin A: 184% DV
Vitamin C: 35% DV
Folate: 15% DV
Magnesium: 12% DV
Key Cancer-Fighting Compounds:
- Beta-carotene from butternut squash
- Curcumin from turmeric (enhanced by black pepper)
- Allicin from garlic and onions
- Omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts and flaxseeds
- Selenium from pumpkin seeds
- Antioxidant polyphenols from leafy greens
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
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