This Cardamom-Kissed Butternut & Fennel Soup is pure nourishment for body, mind, and spirit — a golden elixir of balance and comfort. In Ayurveda, butternut squash offers grounding sweetness that soothes Vata’s restlessness and replenishes depleted ojas, while fennel cools and calms Pitta, aiding digestion and easing the nervous system. The gentle warmth of cardamom awakens agni — our digestive fire — helping the body assimilate the nutrients with ease. From a Western lens, these same ingredients deliver a symphony of nourishment: beta-carotene and vitamin C from the squash to support immune strength, anti-inflammatory compounds from fennel to calm the gut, and mineral-rich bone broth to restore the body on a cellular level. A swirl of homemade raw milk yogurt brings probiotics for gut health and a cooling, creamy balance that mirrors Ayurveda’s emphasis on harmony between warmth and moisture. Together, these elements create a bowl that comforts the senses, steadies the mind, and nourishes the whole being — a beautiful reflection of how ancient wisdom and modern nutrition meet at the same table.
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1–2 fresh fennel bulbs, sliced (reserve greens for garnish)
1 yellow pepper, chopped
4 cups chicken bone broth (or vegetable broth)
1–2 tbsp ghee
½–1 tsp ground cardamom (or a few crushed pods)
PHS (pink Himalayan salt) to taste
Optional: a pinch of black pepper or fresh ginger for warmth
Homemade raw milk yogurt, for serving
Directions
Warm ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add fennel bulb and yellow pepper; sauté until soft and fragrant.
Add butternut squash and continue cooking a few minutes to lightly caramelize.
Stir in cardamom and salt, coating the vegetables in the warm spice.
Pour in bone broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until squash is tender (about 20 minutes).
Blend part or all of the soup (depending on your texture preference) until creamy and golden.
Serve warm, topped with a generous spoonful of homemade yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh fennel greens.
