Southwestern Butternut Squash Soup

 

My friends Lois and Brent left on a three week sailing trip and left me in charge of watering their indoor plants (a gutsy challenge if you know my history with plants) and let me raid their garden.

The most wonderful butternut squash was in full bounty and I did not hesitate to grab a few. We were headed to a dinner with some friends and I quickly whipped up this soup.

Due to the beautiful just picked squash, it was delightful and full of fresh flavor. I altered a recipe for Southwestern Butternut Squash Soup from Cook's County for this quick version.

Southwestern Butternut Squash Soup

Preheat oven to 450

1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds) , peeled, seeded and cut into 1 inch chunks. I tackle it raw but you can microwave it for five minutes to soften it up a bit.

1 large onion roughly chopped.

2 tablespoons freshly chopped garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil 

Salt and pepper to taste ( I use 1 teaspoon salt or sometimes 1 teaspoon of Badia Complete Seasoning and 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper)

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, divided

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon lime juice

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 cup half and half or milk

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley (or cilantro)

1 tablespoons minced chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (optional)

Drizzles of sour cream (optional)

Pepitas or sunflower seeds

Mix first five items together and spread in one layer in large roasting pan and bake for about 45 minutes, turning once or twice to get nice carmelization.

Remove from oven and add 1/3rd cup broth and scrape to deglaze pan.

Add 1/2 of squash with 2 cups of broth to blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Pour into large saucepan and repeat with remaining squash and broth.

Add honey, lime juice, cumin and half and half (or milk) and simmer, adding more broth or water as necessary to bring to desired consistency.

Ladle in soup bowls, sprinkle with parsley, chiles, pepitas, drizzle some sour cream and enjoy!

Thanks to the Sparks for the squash!

Try different seasonings at the end to make it your version!