Prepare your vegetables: chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, cube the butternut squash, and chop the carrots.
In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion until softened (about 5–7 minutes). Then add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in cumin, coriander, and optional cayenne pepper for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the cubed butternut squash and carrots to the pot. Pour in enough broth to cover the vegetables, season with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until veggies are tender.
Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or by transferring it to a regular blender. Stir in coconut milk if desired, adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and toasted pumpkin seeds or croutons.