Nourishment for the Waiting Seasons

As part of our 2026 Synod Assembly under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, we are creating a community recipe book — Rooted at the Table. Submit your recipe by Friday, May 1, 2026, and learn more here.

Submitted by Gail Turner (Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Phoenix)

This butternut squash soup has been a staple at Advent and Lenten soup suppers for decades.

It’s simple, nutritious, and accessible—reflecting the spirit of those seasons of waiting and reflection. Over the years, it has become a favorite, even among children.

In Lutheran life, these seasonal gatherings create space for both nourishment and community.

Crowd Pleasing Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients

  • 5# Butternut Squash

  • 2 large Russet Potatoes

  • 1/2# Carrots, sliced

  • 1 Acorn Squash

  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

  • 1 cup Onion, chopped

  • 1 or more Garlic cloves, (to taste) minced

  • 2 Tbsp Butter (or olive oil if vegan)

  • 1-2 quarts Vegetable Stock

  • 1-2 qt. Non-dairy milk

  • 1 Tbsp. Curry powder

  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar (optional)

  • 1-2 Tbsp fresh Lemon Juice

  • salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cut both Squash in 1/2 and remove seeds & strings, then cut again in 1/2

  • Place Squash, Potatoes, & Carrots on sheet pan & toss with Olive Oil. Roast in oven at 375˚ for 30-40 minutes, tossing at midway time.

  • Meanwhile, chop Onion & mince Garlic, then saute in pan until translucent.

  • Remove roasted vegetables from oven; peel the squash and potatoes, and cube them.

  • Mash all roasted vegetables while warm, or cool and blenderize to smooth.

  • Place all vegetables, + onion & garlic, and the Stock in slow cooker, cook on high for about 2-3 hours.

  • Add non-dairy milk & Curry Powder to hot mixture & bring to hot serving temperature.

  • In final 10 minutes of heating, add Brown Sugar (if using) fresh Lemon juice + salt and white pepper.

Story

This recipe has been a staple of mine for Advent and Lenten Soup Suppers for decades. It is Gluten Free, Lactose Free, and Vegan (if you don’t use Butter), and Diabetic friendly. More than a couple parents have asked me for the recipe because their children liked it enough to ask for seconds! It is simple and nutritious …just the way Soup Suppers in those waiting periods are meant to be! Enjoy!

Brian FlatgardRooted at the Table, Recipes, 2026 RecipesComment