Thursday, September 24, 2009

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

RileyAdamsFoodBlogPostpic_thumb_thumb When I go out to eat with my husband, the soups on the menu always catch my eye. My husband thinks of soup as more of an appetizer than a meal—particularly in a restaurant—but half the time I’ll go with a soup. Even if it’s over 80 degrees, like it is today!

There’s just something about a soup that’s liquid comfort. I’m guessing that’s why the old wives decided, in their wisdom, that chicken soup cured colds. And now I hear that they might have even been partially right. According to one medical article I read:“Inhaling its warm vapors raises the temperature of the respiratory passages and loosens thickened secretions.” They also mentioned something about neutrophilic action, but I didn’t understand that part.

I have a feeling my snarkiness last week about the sick people on the plane has backfired on me. I currently have two sick people in my house and must rapidly consider the possibility of accumulating more, since we have children here.

Since I included a chicken soup recipe last week, I decided to go for soup #2 this week!

Butternut Squash Soup

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

  • 2 1/2 pounds butternut squash, halved and seeded
  • 2 large onions, quartered
  • 6 cloves peeled garlic
  • 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger (cut into 4 chunks)
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 T chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • salt and pepper to taste

pan roasted walnuts for topping (optional)

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place squash halves and onion onto the prepared baking sheet. Wrap garlic and ginger in foil and place with the vegetables.
  2. Roast in the center of the oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Remove from oven and set aside until cool enough to handle.
  3. Puree the above in a blender or food processor with the chicken stock until it’s smooth.
  4. Heat blended mixture on medium heat. Add salt, pepper, curry, 1 T of cilantro, and cinnamon. While the mixture is hot, but before it simmers, slowly add the heavy cream. Add until the color and thickness is to your taste, and allow mixture to bubble. Lower the heat, and continue to cook on low heat for 10 more minutes. Remove from heat, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.Garnish with the remainder of the cilantro and/or pan roasted walnuts.

Enjoy….and stay healthy! :)

Riley/Elizabeth
Pretty is as Pretty Dies
Memphis BBQ series (May 2010)

http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com

12 comments:

  1. RILEY, I love soup and love butternut squash soup but didn't have a recipe. Thanks for sharing. Note: For those who might be celiac, check the ingredients on the chicken stock. There are plenty out there that gluten-free people can use for soup!

    Can't wait to make this.

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  2. This is so perfect for Autumn. I love the pic -- very Gourmet! I'll have to give it
    a try.

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  3. Avery--Hope you enjoy it! And, good info on the gluten-free chicken stock. Thanks.

    Jenn--Doesn't it look all nice and fall-like? Now I just hope our temps fall below 80 again! It's been so hot here lately (NC).

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  4. sounds wonderful, could you possibly use pumpkin instead of squash...just thinking of all the pumpkin available n the fall and I love pumpkin soup but haven't found quite the right recipe.

    Cheli
    Cheli's Shelves

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  5. This I've got to try. My husband loves squash and someone just gave us two big squash from their garden.
    Sam

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  6. Well, I'm trying last week's chicken soup tonight. Hopefully I'm not tempting fate since all we have are allergies in my household right now!

    The squash soup would be all mine to enjoy. I just can't seem to convert anybody else over to the joys of winter squash :)

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  7. I've never tried squash soup -- sounds as though I've been missing out. I'll have to give this one a try. Thanks, Riley!

    Julie

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  8. Cheli--I don't see why pumpkin wouldn't work...sounds delish!

    Carolina Kitchen--Perfect timing!

    Janel--My children would agree with you!

    Julie--Hope it works out for you!

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  9. Oh, yes--squash soup is one of my favorite restaurant items. I think we'll try this soup as soon as the weather turns. Thanks!

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  10. Oh, yes!! Will definitely make!

    ~Cleo

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  11. Cleo--Thanks. :) I'm looking forward to see what yummy treat you have in store for us, tomorrow!

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