- Cooking Instructions: 
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. 
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. 
- Add the chopped carrots and diced butternut squash to the pot. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. 
- Pour in the broth and add the dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. 
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the other half intact. 
- If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. 
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. 
- For an extra touch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds on top of your soup before serving. 
- Additionally, this soup can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. 
- Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall in every spoonful!