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Tasty Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup

Section: Cozy Meals for Every Mood

This comforting soup features a medley of roasted winter vegetables such as butternut squash, parsnips, sweet potato, carrots, and fennel. The veggies are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and then blended into a smooth, creamy base enriched with sautéed onions, potatoes, fresh thyme, and milk. The result is a velvety chowder with layered flavors, perfect for chilly days. Garnished with fresh thyme and black pepper, this dish offers a warm, satisfying bowl of seasonal goodness.

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Harper
Contributed by Harper
Last updated on Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:57:24 GMT
A bowl of soup with carrots and onions. Save
A bowl of soup with carrots and onions. | flavorrhaven.com

This golden banana bread is a family favorite that combines ripe bananas with a buttery texture and a whisper of warm spices. It bakes up beautifully whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or cooled and sliced for a snack any time of day.

I first baked this banana bread when my bananas went way past ripe, and it quickly became my go-to for a cozy weekend treat that everyone asks for now.

Ingredients

  • Ripe bananas: three to four, mashed — they add natural sweetness and moisture, choose very spotty bananas for the best flavor
  • Unsalted butter: half a cup melted — brings richness and tenderness to the crumb
  • Granulated sugar: one cup — balances the banana’s earthiness with sweetness
  • Large eggs: two — bind the batter and add structure
  • Pure vanilla extract: one teaspoon — enhances the overall flavor depth
  • All-purpose flour: one and a half cups — the foundation, choose fresh for the best rise
  • Baking soda: one teaspoon — helps the bread rise and become fluffy
  • Salt: half a teaspoon — balances sweetness and amplifies flavor
  • Ground cinnamon: half a teaspoon — adds warmth and complexity
  • Ground nutmeg: quarter teaspoon — a subtle spice note to complement cinnamon
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans: half a cup, optional — crunchy texture and nutty richness, toast them lightly for extra aroma

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Prepare a nine by five-inch loaf pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper. This makes removal easier and keeps the bread intact.
Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, use a fork or potato masher to vigorously mash the bananas until very smooth. The riper they are, the more flavorful and naturally sweet your bread will be.
Mix Butter and Sugar:
Stir the melted butter directly into the mashed bananas. Add sugar and mix until the mixture lightens in color and becomes smooth. This step helps incorporate air for a lighter bread.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in one egg at a time, making sure each is fully integrated before adding the next. After the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract to deepen the flavor profile.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly blended. This ensures the leavening and spices distribute uniformly throughout the bread.
Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet:
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the banana batter with a gentle motion. Mix just until no flour streaks remain — overmixing can make the bread dense.
Incorporate Nuts:
If using nuts, fold them in now, distributing evenly so each slice gets a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.
Fill the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter once or twice to release any large air pockets.
Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake between fifty-five and sixty-five minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
A bowl of soup with vegetables and herbs.
A bowl of soup with vegetables and herbs. | flavorrhaven.com

My favorite part is definitely the warm smell of cinnamon and nutmeg as it bakes. It takes me back to cozy family mornings with homemade treats and smiles around the table.

Storage Tips

Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the whole loaf or individual slices wrapped in foil and then sealed in a bag. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices straight from frozen.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version, which adds a subtle tropical note. Try almond flour for half the all-purpose flour to add a nutty depth and boost protein. Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar to enhance moisture and a richer caramel flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread for extra indulgence. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a simple breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. Add fresh berries or a drizzle of honey on top for a colorful and sweet presentation.

A bowl of soup with vegetables and herbs.
A bowl of soup with vegetables and herbs. | flavorrhaven.com

This banana bread is a reliable go-to for any time you have overripe bananas. Baking it brings warmth and comfort to every kitchen.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What vegetables are best for roasting in this soup?

Butternut squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, and fennel work wonderfully for roasting, offering sweetness and depth.

→ How can I achieve a creamy texture without cream?

Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sugars and blending them with milk and cooked potatoes creates a smooth, creamy consistency.

→ Is it necessary to peel all the vegetables?

Peeling helps create a silky texture and removes tougher skins, especially for butternut squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

→ Can I use an immersion blender for this soup?

Yes, an immersion blender allows you to puree the soup directly in the pot to your desired consistency without extra cleanup.

→ What herbs enhance the flavor of roasted winter vegetables?

Fresh thyme adds an earthy aroma and complements roasted winter vegetables perfectly in this dish.

Tasty Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup

Creamy soup combining roasted winter veggies including butternut squash, fennel, and carrots for warmth.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
60 mins
Overall Time
75 mins
Contributed by: Harper

Recipe Category: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Recipe Output: 6 Portion Size (6 bowls)

Dietary Features: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

→ Vegetables

01 2 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, diced into 1-inch pieces
02 1 cup parsnips, peeled, diced into 1-inch pieces
03 1 cup sweet potato, peeled, diced into 1-inch pieces
04 1 cup carrots, peeled, diced into 1-inch pieces
05 1 cup fennel, half bulb, quartered, thinly sliced
06 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled, diced
07 2 cups onion, diced

→ Pantry

08 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided use
09 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
10 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 4 cups vegetable broth
12 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
13 1 cup milk (2%, nonfat, whole, or unsweetened plain almond milk)
14 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
15 Extra thyme leaves, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss butternut squash, parsnips, sweet potato, carrots, and fennel with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned.

Step 02

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Add diced onion, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Sauté until onion softens, about 10 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 03

Slowly add vegetable broth to the saucepan. Add diced russet potatoes and thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender. Remove and discard thyme stems.

Step 04

Add roasted vegetables to the soup base. Transfer about 3 cups of mixture to a blender and puree until smooth and creamy. Return pureed mixture to the pot and stir well to create a thick chowder.

Step 05

Stir in milk and warm over medium-low heat until just simmering. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 06

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and cracked black pepper.

Additional Notes

  1. For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree soup to desired consistency.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large saucepan
  • Blender or immersion blender

Allergen Notices

Inspect every ingredient for potential allergens and seek expert advice if necessary.
  • Contains milk (dairy) if dairy milk is used
  • Contains gluten due to all-purpose flour