A Taste of Fall

Tomorrow marks the official start of Fall - my favorite season.  What better way to kick it off than with some Butternut Squash Soup.  There are hundreds of different recipes out there for this type of soup, and believe me, I have tried them all.  But THIS recipe takes the squash cake!  The secret ingredient is fresh ginger - it adds the perfect amount of spice, heat and depth to the flavor.  Oh perfection, I can't wait to eat it tonight (and for the next week... this recipe makes A LOT of soup).

What you'll need...

1 Large Butternut Squash (Whole Foods only had little guys so I got two today)
2 Leeks, white part only
2 Medium Carrots
2 Stalks of Celery
2 Tablespoons of fresh minced Ginger
2 cloves of minced garlic (optional)
1/2 stick of unsalted butter (I know this seems like a lot but like I said, this recipe makes a lot of soup)
4 cups of Chicken Broth
EVOO
Couple pinches of Cinnamon
Salt & pepper to taste

How to...

1.  Cut squash in half length wise and drizzle the flesh with EVOO, cinnamon, salt & pepper.  Place squash skin side up on a roasting sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes (or until you can easily poke through the skin with a fork)

2.  Meanwhile, clean and dice leeks, carrots and celery.  Using your best soup pot, sauté leeks, carrots, celery, ginger and garlic in olive oil and butter over low heat  for about 5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and add the broth.  Bring to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.    

3.  When squash is done and slightly cooled, scrape all the goodness out (no skin) and add it to the soup pot.  Simmer for another 10 minutes.  

4.  Using a hand held emulsion blender (a food processor or regular blender works just as well) puree all the ingredients until smooth.

5.  Top off with a little creme fresh and sprigs of thyme

Click here to print recipe

What are some of your favorite recipes you'll be making this Fall Season?