Winter is finally here! We are in the midst of a
huge winter storm that is expected to bring over 20 inches of precipitation which can mean anywhere from 2-5 feet of snow. I have been holed up in my condo for several days now because it is SO COLD! Like 22˚F with crazy 75 MPH winds. It is miserable.
Since it is so cold, I've been making really homey and comforting foods. This butternut squash soup will warm you up and is super easy to make. It only requires a few ingredients which is good on a day like today when the wind is howling, the snow is falling and going outside can be treacherous. This soup can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth however the soup will taste much sweeter! It is also a good gluten-free option for those with gluten allergies.
TBC Butternut Squash Soup
makes 4 generous entree portions or 6 appetizer servings
1-3 to 3 1/2 lb. butternut squash
2 TBSP vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 medium sized boiling potato (about 10 oz), peeled and cut in 1-inch chunks
Thyme, fresh or dried
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line baking sheet with foil. Halve butternut squash lengthwise. Scoop out and discard seeds. Brush one half with 1 TBSP oil and season with salt and pepper. Place flesh side down on the lined baking sheet and roast until tender, about 1 hour. Reserve the other butternut squash half for another use like butternut squash risotto. When baked squash is done, you should be able to pierce the flesh with a paring knife with little resistance. After the squash has cooled enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and reserve.
Put the remaining TBSP oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and some salt and pepper (but not too much because the broth maybe seasoned already). Saute a few more minutes being careful to not burn the garlic.
Add the broth, potatoes and reserved butternut squash. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and simmer for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and can be pierced with a paring knife with no resistance.
Transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings adding more salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with some cream, chives or croutons if desired.
Song:
Baby, It's Cold Outside
