Coarse pink salt

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup {w/stovetop option}

October 23, 2018

This soup is my new favorite! Butternut squash is everywhere it seems like…and currently, on super-sale in my grocery store.

…meaning, when this girl see veggies on sale, she buys a ton!

This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup takes MINUTES to cook. When I say minutes, I mean less than 10 minutes. However, you could definitely make it on the stovetop or in your crock pot too (see recipe notes for directions!*).

I just can’t get enough of it! It’s currently my GO-TO for soups and is SO versatile! It’s a great starting point for pretty much any soup! I’m using it to make a low-carb Cheeseburger Chowder for lunches this week – stay tuned for that recipe! It’s totally kid-approved and super comforting!

This soup may be dairy free, but is still so creamy! If you can tolerate some cheese, it’s even better with some shredded cheddar sprinkled on top …or better yet, cheddar AND bacon! It would make a great creamy vegetable medley soup or a veggie-packed take on a Cheesy Broccoli. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!

 

 

Print Recipe
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup {w/stovetop option}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to your Instant Pot.
  2. Set for 8 minutes High Pressure.
  3. Once the soup is finished cooking, do a QR (quick release).
  4. Allow the soup to cool slightly and then add the contents to a blender and puree until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender.
  5. Return the soup to the instant pot if it needs to reheat some. I use the saute mode and it heats up in now time! If your soup is too thick for your liking, feel free to add a bit more broth at the end and whisk together!
  6. Sprinkle with toppings of choice! My favorites are green onions and bacon!
Recipe Notes

*Stovetop directions:

  1. Saute onions, potatoes, and squash in a large soup pot, over medium heat, for about 5-8 minutes or until soft.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
  3. Cover and let simmer for 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are extremely tender and falling apart.
  4. Puree with an immersion blender or allow the soup to cool and puree in a blender.

Crockpot directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
  2. Once the veggies have cooked until very tender, puree with an immersion blender or allow a bit of cooling and then puree in a blender.

** If using frozen squash, note that the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure will increase but a few minutes.

Tex-Mex Breakfast Skillet

September 18, 2018

Skillets like this one are my favorites to meal prep for the week. They are so simple to cook up, you can use just about whatever ingredients that you have on hand, you can have them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, AND they’re delicious!

I’m a big fan of spices and flavor! There is no skimping in that department in my kitchen. This Tex-Mex Breakfast Skillet is packed with flavors of cumin, chili peppers, and charred veggies. You just can’t go wrong!

It’s the best when you have this meal prepped and all you have to do in the morning is reheat it. It’s so much better than other convenient, quick breakfasts out there. Plus, this one is good for you and will fuel you throughout your day!

If you want to take it to the next level, top this skillet with a fried egg! YUM!

Balanced Health

 

Print Recipe
Tex-Mex Breakfast Skillet
Course anytime, Breakfast
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Course anytime, Breakfast
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large pan over medium heat, saute onions in avocado oil for 2-3 minutes until they've started to soften.
  2. This step is totally optional! While the onion cooks, char the bell pepper under the broiler for extra flavor. Slice the pepper in half, longways, remove the seeds and place on a sheet pan under the broiler for a few minutes or until desired charred amount of skin.
  3. Chop the bell pepper (charred or not) and add to the softened onions.
  4. Add in sweet potatoes and butternut squash. Stir together and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Add in the breakfast sausage and break it up as it begins to brown.
  6. Add in all of the seasonings, as well as the nutritional yeast, if desired.
  7. Continue to stir the veggies and break up the sausage until it's almost completely browned.
  8. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the squash and sweet potatoes are soft.
  9. If desired, stir in a handful of chopped cilantro and 5-6 green onions.
  10. Enjoy immediately, as is, or top with a fried egg!
  11. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for quick breakfasts throughout the week!
Recipe Notes

* If you're sticking to keto and want to eliminate extra carbs, you can substitute 10 more oz of butternut squash for the sweet potatoes.