Linda Hoskins
Last week I shared my favorite recipe for chili. Another thing I look forward to now that fall weather is upon us is making soup! I love soup and salad for dinner. I found a recipe for a soup that I plan to try soon. This recipe sounds perfect for the fall season!
APPLE AND
BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
■ 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
■ 2 Tbsp olive oil
■ 2 Tbsp butter
■ 1 yellow onion, diced
■ 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced
■ 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
■ pinch red pepper flakes
■ pinch nutmeg
■ 1 tsp dried ginger
■ salt and pepper, to taste
■ 1/2 cup apple cider
■ 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
■ sour cream or plain yogurt for garnish
Toss squash cubes with olive oil, place in pan and roast at 425 degrees for 20 minutes, until tender. Meanwhile, melt butter over medium-low heat in a stockpot. Add onion, fresh ginger and apples. Toss to coat. Saute until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Season with red pepper flakes, nutmeg, dried ginger, salt and pepper. Continue to saute a few more minutes until fragrant.
Stir in roasted squash. Add apple cider and broth. Mix well. Bring to a boil, turn down heat and simmer until veggies are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Puree until smooth using an immersion blender or in a food processor.
Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt.
I have not tried this soup yet, but I think it would be wonderful as a first course, or served as main entree along with salad and crusty bread. Butternut squash can be difficult to peel. If you are struggling with it, pierce the sqaush a few times with a fork, and microwave it for a minute or two. This will soften the skin, making it easier to peel. And for you trivia buffs, did you know butternut squash is actually a type of pumpkin? In Australia and New Zealand, what we call butternut squash, they call butternut pumpkin. This squash has a sweet and nutty taste very similar to pumpkin. Butternut squash is very high in potassium. and it’s loaded with Vitamin A and C, it’s a great source of fiber.
If you have a recipe to share,please send to letscook!@heraldpubs.com or mail to Mascoutah Herald, PO Box C, Mascoutah IL 62258. Thanks and as I always say, Happy Cooking!
