How to make easy and healthy soup recipe.
How to make easy and healthy soup recipe. is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by The Korean Vegan on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $13.73 total, $3.43 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 medium Butternut Squash (peeled, seeded, cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 2 large Carrots (peeled and cut into 1‑inch pieces)
- 2 Shallots (peeled and quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic (peeled, left whole)
- 2 Apple (firm, sweet variety (e.g., Fuji), cored and sliced)
- 1 Fennel Bulb (trimmed, sliced thinly)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, divided)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Herbs (Italian blend or thyme/rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Miso Paste (white or yellow miso)
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Fennel Fronds (chopped for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Pumpkin Seeds (toasted)
- ¼ cup Dairy‑Free Cheese (shredded, soy‑ or nut‑based)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Vegetables for Roasting
In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes, carrot pieces, quartered shallots, and whole garlic cloves with 2 Tbsp olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Time: PT10M
Roast Squash‑Veg Mix
Spread the seasoned squash‑vegetable mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25‑30 minutes, stirring halfway, until caramelized and tender.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Apple & Fennel
While the squash is roasting, toss the sliced apples and fennel slices with the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
Time: PT5M
Roast Apple & Fennel
Place the apple‑fennel mixture on a second half of the baking sheet (or a separate sheet) and roast for the last 20 minutes of the squash’s time, until the edges are lightly browned.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 400°F
Blend the Soup Base
Transfer the roasted squash‑veg, apple‑fennel, and roasted garlic (squeezed out of its skin) into a blender. Add the miso paste and 3 cups of vegetable broth. Blend on high until completely smooth.
Time: PT5M
Simmer and Adjust Consistency
Pour the blended mixture into a large pot, add the remaining 1 cup of broth, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 5‑7 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium heat
Plate and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Drizzle a thin stream of olive oil, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, shredded dairy‑free cheese, and chopped fennel fronds on top.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Gluten‑Free, Whole30‑Friendly
Allergens: Soy, Tree nuts (if dairy‑free cheese contains nuts)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Butternut Squash: Acorn squash, sweet potato
- Instead of Carrots: parsnips
- Instead of Shallots: red onion
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Apple: pear
- Instead of Fennel Bulb: celery
- Instead of Olive Oil: avocado oil
- Instead of Dried Herbs: fresh herbs (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Miso Paste: soy sauce (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Vegetable Broth: water + extra salt
- Instead of Pumpkin Seeds: sunflower seeds
- Instead of Dairy‑Free Cheese: nutritional yeast (2 tbsp)
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Blender
- Large Pot or Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Roasting vegetables until caramelized
- Blending hot ingredients safely (venting steam)
- Adding miso after blending to preserve its flavor and probiotics
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the vegetable seasoning before roasting
- Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for 2‑3 minutes for extra crunch
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin
Simmer longer to reduce, or add an extra ½ cup of roasted squash puree.
Soup is too thick
Stir in additional vegetable broth, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Bitter after blending
Add a pinch of maple syrup or a splash of orange juice to balance bitterness.
Miso flavor is muted
Stir in a little extra miso paste after the soup is off the heat; taste and adjust.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Roast the squash, carrots, apples, and fennel up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate
- Blend the roasted ingredients with broth and store the puree; reheat and add miso just before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butternut squash, fennel & apple soup in Korean vegan cuisine?
While traditional Korean cuisine does not feature butternut squash or apples, the Korean vegan community has embraced seasonal, plant‑based soups that blend Korean umami (like miso) with Western autumn ingredients, creating a comforting fusion dish often enjoyed during chilly months.
What are the traditional regional variations of squash‑based soups in Korean cuisine?
In Korea, pumpkin (kabocha) and sweet potato soups called "hobakjuk" and "goguma‑juk" are common, usually sweetened and served as a warm porridge. The butternut squash, fennel & apple version adds Western fruit and fennel for a unique twist while keeping the silky texture.
How is butternut squash, fennel & apple soup traditionally served in Korean homes?
It is typically served hot in shallow bowls, garnished with toasted seeds, a drizzle of sesame or olive oil, and sometimes a sprinkle of toasted seaweed or vegan cheese for added texture, much like the presentation shown by The Korean Vegan.
What occasions or celebrations is this soup associated with in Korean vegan culture?
The soup is popular during autumn festivals, harvest celebrations, and as a comforting starter for holiday gatherings where a warm, plant‑based dish is desired.
What other Korean vegan dishes pair well with this soup?
Pair it with kimchi‑fried rice, Korean‑style tofu bulgogi, or a simple side of seasoned spinach (sigeumchi‑namul) for a balanced meal.
What makes this butternut squash, fennel & apple soup special in Korean‑inspired vegan cooking?
It combines the Korean umami of miso with the sweet‑savory balance of roasted squash, apple, and fennel, delivering a velvety texture and layered flavors that are both familiar and innovative for Korean vegan diners.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making butternut squash, fennel & apple soup?
Common errors include under‑roasting the vegetables (resulting in a bland broth), over‑blending hot liquid without venting (which can cause the blender lid to pop off), and adding miso too early, which can diminish its delicate flavor.
Why does this recipe add miso paste after blending instead of during the roast?
Miso is heat‑sensitive; adding it after blending preserves its probiotic benefits and bright umami flavor, whereas heating it in the oven would make it taste muted and slightly bitter.
Can I make this soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Roast the vegetables and blend the base up to two days in advance, storing in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, then stir in the miso and finish with fresh garnish before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the soup is done?
The soup should be silky and smooth with a deep orange‑gold hue. It should coat the back of a spoon without clumping, and the garnish should add contrast in color and texture.
What does the YouTube channel The Korean Vegan specialize in?
The Korean Vegan focuses on plant‑based Korean and Asian recipes, offering compassionate cooking tutorials that adapt traditional flavors to vegan lifestyles while emphasizing whole, seasonal ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel The Korean Vegan's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?
The Korean Vegan emphasizes vegan substitutions, nutrition education, and mindful cooking techniques, often using miso, tofu, and dairy‑free cheeses, whereas many other Korean channels feature conventional animal‑based ingredients.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






