Nicoyan Crema de Ayote! (Butternut Squash Soup)⁠

Introduction

Nicoyan Crema de Ayote, also known as Butternut Squash Soup, offers a simple yet deeply flavorful dish inspired by the longevity-boosting cuisine of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Its creamy texture and vibrant color make this soup a guaranteed crowd pleaser, delivering both nutrition and comfort in every spoonful. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is both accessible and nourishing — a must-try for anyone looking to add a healthy, delicious staple to their meal rotation.

A Distinctively Smooth and Savory Classic

What sets Nicoyan Crema de Ayote apart is its signature velvety smoothness, achieved with perfectly cooked butternut squash, and the subtle complexity of traditional seasonings. This wholesome soup goes beyond basic butternut squash offerings, featuring a blend of coconut milk and spices that create a rich, naturally sweet flavor base. It’s an inviting and colorful dish that’s just as satisfying as a light lunch as it is a comforting dinner starter.

Perfecting the Creamy Texture

The secret to the soup’s luscious texture is simmering the squash until it’s fully tender, then blending it to a silky consistency. Coconut milk (or a local alternative) gives the soup a creamy body without any heaviness. Consider adjusting the coconut milk amount for your desired richness, or add a squeeze of lime for a fresh, tangy twist. Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after blending lets the flavors meld and deepen, making every bite more inviting.

How to Serve Nicoyan Crema de Ayote

Serve this soup hot, garnished with a swirl of coconut cream, chopped cilantro, or toasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture and visual appeal. Pair it with warm tortillas or rustic bread, or keep things light with a side of crisp salad. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, its vibrant orange hue and sweet, earthy aromas are sure to impress.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings, each offering approximately 180–220 calories, depending on the coconut milk used. Packed with fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, Nicoyan Crema de Ayote is a nutritious bowl that fits beautifully into a health-conscious meal plan.

Butternut Squash Soup (Recap)

With its creamy, comforting texture and gentle sweetness, this Nicoyan-inspired recipe is a standout for both flavor and wellness. It’s a soul-warming soup you’ll want to make on repeat, perfect for relaxed weeknights or as a luminous addition to any gathering.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to CookifyAI to automatically generate a shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—making your grocery trip fast and organized, and simplifying your entire week’s meal planning.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add garlic, cumin, and coriander, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add cubed butternut squash and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until squash is fork-tender.
4. Remove from the heat and allow mixture to cool slightly. Carefully blend the soup (using a blender or immersion blender) until completely smooth.
5. Return the soup to the pot. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper. Heat gently over low heat for 3–4 minutes (do not boil), allowing flavors to meld.
6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and pumpkin seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

Nicoyan Crema de Ayote is a meal prep superstar. Its flavors develop even further after a day in the fridge, making it ideal for batch cooking. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to plan the best days to serve it and generate a smart shopping list that consolidates ingredients from all your planned recipes.

Planning Benefits:

– Quickly calculate total ingredient needs across several recipes
– Shopping lists automatically sort by grocery store section
– Eliminate duplicate ingredients and avoid forgotten items
– Streamline weekly meal prep for efficiency and ease

Pro tip: When planning several meals with overlapping ingredients like onions or garlic, schedule your recipes in CookifyAI to see total quantities needed—saving money, reducing food waste, and making every shopping trip a breeze.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes