Rejuvenating Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Rejuvenating Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

by Donata Maggipinto from Christmas Family Gatherings

Ingredients:

1 butternut squash, about 1 1/2 pounds, peeled, halved, seeded, and cut into 1-inch slices
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 red potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 carrots, peeled and quartered
salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Large yellow onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup half-and-half
Tabasco or other hot-pepper sauce
sour cream or crème frâiche for garnish (optional)

This and many other wonderful recipes may be found in Donata Maggipinto's
Christmas Family Gatherings
from Chronicle Books

Nutritional characteristics of butternut squash notwithstanding, this soup has a way of restoring both the body and the spirit. It's a consequence of the soup's sunny color, lush texture, and deep flavor. You can make this soup up to one month in advance; freeze in an airtight container.

Preheat an oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.

Place the squash slices on the baking sheet and brush with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Toss the potatoes and carrots with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Transfer the vegetables to the baking sheet with the squash. Season all the vegetables with salt and pepper.

Roast the vegetables until tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and reserve.

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the roasted vegetables and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.

Working in batches, purée the soup in a food processor or blender, adding some of the half-and-half with each batch. Return to the pot and heat thoroughly over mediumlow heat (do not let it boil). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the Tabasco to taste. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or crème frâiche, if desired.

Serves 8