Homemade Squash Soup 

• Calabaza squash is also known as
• Puerto Rican Pumpkin
• Jamaican Pumpkin

You can substitute for another squash if you cannot find this one.

Pumpkins provide nutrients:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D 
• Vitamin E
• which are some of the most powerful vitamins to amp up your immune system

*If calabaza pumpkin is tough to find, butternut squash makes a great substitute.

What you need to make Homemade Squash Soup:

• 1/2 calabaza pumpkin or butternut squash
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into one-inch chunks
• 3 medium potatoes, washed and quartered
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 white turnip, washed and quartered (optional)
• 1 small cabbage, chopped (2cups) or Brussel Sprouts
• 1 green bell pepper
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 large yellow onion
• 1/2 cup of pasta (rotini, penne, or broken angel hair spaghetti)* see tip below
• 1 pound of beef stew meat or chicken breast, or Shrimp (optional)
• 1/2-cup broth of the meat you select
• Fresh Parsley 
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Margarine or butter, to taste
• All-purpose seasoning to taste
• Juice of one lime (fresh is always best) 
• 1/2-cup tomato sauce
• Water, enough to cover all ingredients in the pot

Preparation Directions:

Prepare the meat: Wash the meat with lime juice, rinse in hot water, and drain. Season and marinate for at least 10 minutes. Add olive oil, diced garlic, and meat to a stockpot. Brown with water and let caramelize. Add 1/2 cup of broth, cover, and cook until tender. In a pressure cooker, this takes about 10 minutes.

Prepare the vegetables:
While the meat cooks, wash, peel, and cut all the vegetables into medium pieces. Cut the calabaza squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut the halves into ¾-inch to one-inch slices, leaving the skin on for now. Boil the squash in a large pot of water for about 15 minutes until cooked. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin and blend the squash into a puree with some broth or water.

Combine and cook:

In the same large pot, add water if needed. Combine all the veggies, spices, and squash puree. Bring to a boil on medium heat, then add the cooked meat.

Adjust the seasoning with salt, butter, and pepper. Add your favorite seasoning based on the protein you use, like shrimp, meat, or chicken.

Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat. Let the soup rest for five minutes before serving with lime wedges. You can also use lemon as a substitute.

This recipe is similar to many home recipes, and the ingredients are interchangeable. There’s nothing like a good bowl of soup to make you feel good inside. To avoid mushy pasta, cook it separately and add to individual bowls as needed. For leftover soup, cook more pasta the next day.

Add a crusty bread recipe and you’re all set. We would add some vino, one of our favorite brands.

homemade squash soup recipe