Smokey Butternut Squash Soup (Vegan, Oil-free, & Gluten free)

This soup is smokey, a little sweet, and delicious. I make this in my pressure cooker in just 20 minutes. Super easy to make and it's freezer friendly.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups peeled and diced butternut squash (About one medium squash)

• 1 medium/large yellow onion, roughly chopped

• 2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

• 2 stalks of celery, roughly chopped

• 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth

• 1/2 tbsp liquid smoke

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: Pumpkin seeds and additional smoked paprika for garnishing

Pressure Cooker Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients to your pressure cooker and mix well.

2. Put the lid on and make sure it's set to "Pressure". Depending on the model of pressure cooker you have it may be called something else. Check your owner manual if you're unsure how to use your pressure cooker.

3. Set your pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for 20 minutes.

4. When it has finished cooking, you can either release the pressure manually or allow the pressure to release naturally. Either flip the pressure gauge to "release" immediately or give the pressure cooker 15+ minutes then release the pressure. Once there is no more steam coming out of the pot you can remove the lid. If the lid will not come off, DO NOT force it, allow it to continue releasing for a few more minutes before trying to remove the lid again.

5. Use a stick/immersion blender to blend the soup completely smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Garnish as desired and serve.

Stovetop Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients to a pot and mix well.

2. Bring the soup to a boil then lower the heat to low and cover.

3. Cook until the squash and carrots are soft, stirring occasionally.

4. Use a stick/immersion blender to blend the soup completely smooth. If your soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth as desired. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Garnish as desired and serve.

Notes: If you do not have a stick blender you can use a stand blender, but be sure to follow the safety precautions for your blender when blending hot food.