Manitoba Maple Glazed Squash & Carrot Soup

For this week's AI Food Prompt series image and recipe, we showcase a creamy squash and carrot soup, enhanced by the sweetness of maple syrup and finished with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds. It's the perfect Manitoba comfort food!
For this week's AI Food Prompt series image and recipe, we showcase a creamy squash and carrot soup, enhanced by the sweetness of maple syrup and finished with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds. It's the perfect Manitoba comfort food!

Welcome to this week’s installment of our Come Eat With Me Manitoba recipe series, where we explore the intersection of technology and gastronomy! This week, we’re excited to showcase a velvety smooth squash and carrot soup, a perfect dish to embrace the cozy vibes of autumn. With the rich golden hues and comforting flavors, this soup not only warms the soul but also reflects the importance of local produce in Manitoba’s food security landscape. Join us as we dive into this delicious recipe that celebrates seasonal ingredients while promoting digital literacy through creative culinary expression.

This scrumptious soup is adorned with a swirl of maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, making it both visually appealing and packed with flavor. Served in a rustic bowl against a backdrop of fall leaves, the dish is complemented by a glass of amber cider and the soft glow of candlelight. This delightful meal is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a reminder of the rich agricultural heritage of Manitoba. Let’s dive into this beautiful recipe that combines local ingredients with innovative AI food art!

A Recipe for Golden Autumn Squash and Carrot Soup

This cozy soup blends the natural sweetness of squash and carrots with the warmth of maple syrup and the crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds. The result is a dish that embodies the essence of autumn, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
  • Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, diced butternut squash, and sliced carrots. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash and carrots are tender.
  4. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Be cautious with hot liquids!
  5. Stir in the coconut milk and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm the soup over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
  6. To serve, ladle the soup into rustic bowls. Drizzle a swirl of maple syrup on top and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds. Add fresh thyme leaves for an extra touch if desired.
  7. Pair with a glass of locally brewed cider and enjoy the cozy, autumnal ambiance!

Prompt Engineering: How You Can Make This Image:

Here’s the prompt we used to create the image:

Prompt: Create a cozy, autumnal shot of a velvety smooth squash and carrot soup, with a swirl of maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds. The soup, rich in warm golden hues, is served in a deep, rustic bowl placed on a wooden table adorned with fall leaves. Capture the intricate patterns of the maple syrup on the surface, using a 35mm lens at f/4.5 for a natural perspective that highlights the soup’s smooth texture. In the background, an amber-colored glass of locally brewed cider sits beside a flickering candle, enhancing the seasonal ambiance. Shoot from a slightly elevated angle to showcase the soup’s richness and the inviting setting.

About Our 2025 Spring and Summer Program

As part of our Come Eat With Me Manitoba recipe series, this challenge is not just about creating stunning food imagery—it’s about exploring the broader landscape of digital literacymedia arts and how generative AI tools are shaping the future of creativity. Engaging with AI to craft these images, artists develop a deeper understanding of AI-assisted design, digital media, and visual storytelling. This exploration fosters critical skills in creative problem-solvingprompt crafting, and mastering new technology, empowering artists to push the boundaries of their craft while enhancing their digital fluency. Through this process, we’re not only creating art but also learning to navigate the evolving intersection of technology and creativity. Our 2025 Fall and Winter program activities are supported by the OpenAI Researcher Access Program and the Manitoba Arts Council.