Serves 8
Ingredients
- 4 lbs (about 2 med or 1 large) whole butternut squash
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups large diced (med) onion
- 2 cups (med) diced & peeled Granny Smith apple
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- About 8 fresh chopped sage leaves (1 packed tbsp)
- 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F & place a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Coat the whole squash in the canola oil & place on the lined baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 to 1/2 hours, turning the squash very 20 minutes, or until the squash is fork tender. In a large heavy bottom pot, or Dutch oven over med heat , melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, and cook until the onions are translucent & just beginning to caramelize. Add the diced apple & cook for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the minced garlic & the crushed red chili flakes, & cook for 1 minute until fragrant . Remove the pan from heat & set aside. When the squash is ready & removed from the oven, set the baking sheet on a wire rack until the squash is cool enough to handle. Cut the cooled squash in half & use a spoon to scoop the seeds out. Peel off & discard the skin, & add the flesh into the pot with the onion mixture. Add the vegetable or chicken broth with the squash, & season with the Kosher salt & pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil over med-hi heat, then reduce to med-low & simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up any large pieces of squash until the flavors meld. Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the cream & chopped sage. Using a blender or food processor, & in batches if needed, puree the soup until smooth, If using a blender remove the small cap from the blender & cover with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape & prevent the blender lid from pipping off. Taste & season with more salt & pepper if desired. Garnish with the toasted pumpkin seeds if using.