Recipe: Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup with Pluck Seasoning

Written by: Vincent Pedre M.D. | December 20, 2024 | Time to read 3 min

Have you ever craved a warm, velvety soup that not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports your gut health? This Butternut Squash Soup with Pluck seasoning is your answer! Packed with gut-nourishing ingredients, it’s a breeze to prepare and oh-so-delicious. 

Plus, it’s designed for those in the Mild to Moderate category of the GutSMART Quiz in my latest book, The GutSMART Protocol —perfect if you're looking to gently heal and optimize your gut health.

But, now for this incredible recipe I’m excited to share with you.

Servings: 4
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Category: Mild to Moderate

*We recommend using Pluck Zesty Garlic,  All-Purpose, or Spicy for this recipe, depending on your taste and category. (To be safe, only have the Pluck Zesty Garlic if you fall in the mild category,) Each option adds a nutrient-dense, umami boost that’s perfect for any palate. Use code HAPPYGUT to get 15% OFF your first order!

1.  Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the whole butternut squash directly on the rack and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s soft.

2.  While the squash is baking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil in a pan. Sauté the sliced onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. (If you’re in the Severe GutSMART category, skip the onion entirely.)

3. Once the squash is done, let it cool until it’s safe to handle. Peel it, scoop out the seeds, and transfer the squash, sautéed onions, and any remaining ghee from the pan into a blender. Add 1 tablespoon of Pluck and 2 cups of stock. Blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, gradually add more broth to reach your desired consistency.

4.  In a separate pan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil or avocado oil. Add the sliced shallots and cook until browned, taking care not to burn them. (Again, omit the shallots if you’re in the Severe GutSMART category.)

5.  Reheat the soup in a pot if it has cooled. Season with sea salt and a splash of lemon juice to taste. Serve hot, garnished with the browned shallots, a sprinkle of Pluck, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of pomegranate glaze.

Note: Look to buy pomegranate glaze already pre-made or simply place pomegranate juice in a small pot and reduce on high heat until it is more like a syrup. This takes about 8 minutes.

This soup is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants—all of which promote a healthy gut microbiome. Using Pluck seasoning ensures you’re getting a unique, nutrient-dense, B-vitamin rich flavor boost that supports your overall health. By getting your B vitamins in an organ-based form, you’ll be getting more bioavailable nutrients that your cells can more easily use.

How? Pluck is made of organ meats, and they happen to be some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. They have a ton of important vitamins - including Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K and essential minerals such as iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. PLUS, the vitamins and minerals in organ meats are bioavailable - which means they’re more easily accessed and absorbed by your body.

The only problem is — organ meats can be a pain to prep and probably like you I don’t particularly love the taste and texture of liver or heart. This is why I’m obsessed with Pluck - an all-purpose organ-based seasoning that delivers all the benefits of organ meats in a pinch.

And guess what, it’s one way I sneak better nutrition for my son, who’s a picky eater. Parents out there — this is your hack for upgrading your children’s diet without making them eat something they don’t like.

Ready to dive deeper into gut healing? Grab a copy of The GutSMART Protocol and unlock more recipes, tips, and personalized strategies for a healthier gut!