Author Notes
I developed this soup since I love the idea of winter squash soups but always thought butternut squash soup was too sweet. there are very few seasonings in the soup which make it perfect for adapting to individual tastes. For those who like it a bit sweeter, swirl in a bit of maple syrup. For those who like it spicier, add chili powder or curry powder... the possibilities are truly endless! In this version, I topped it with Mollie Katzen's Walnut Pesto and drizzle of walnut oil. —Nancy@acommunaltable
Ingredients
- Soup
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1/4 cup
olive oil
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1
white acorn squash, quartered, seeds removed
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1
small sugar pie pumpkin, quartered and seeds removed
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1
butternut squash, halved and seeded
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1
onion, diced
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2
carrots, peeled and sliced
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2
celery stalks, diced
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6 cups
chicken or vegetable stock
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1/2 cup
dry sherry
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1/2 teaspoon
freshly grated nutmeg
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salt and white pepper to taste
- Walnut Pesto
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3 cups
tightly packed fresh basil leaves
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3
garlic cloves
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1/3 cup
toasted walnuts
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1/3 cup
olive oil
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1/3 cup
freshly grated parmesan cheese
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salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
Pre heat oven to 400 degrees.
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Place squash, skin side down onto pans and rub with 2 Tbsp. olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
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Put squash into the oven and roast until squash is tender - about 30 - 40 minutes.
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While squash is roasting, pour remaining 2 Tbsp. oil into a large dutch oven or stock pot.
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heat oil over medium heat and add onions, carrots and celery. Stir vegetables to coat with oil. Cover and cook vegetables until softened but not browned, about 8 - 10 minutes. Set aside.
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When squash is cooked and cool enough to handle, scoop flesh from squash quarters and add to pot with vegetables. Add stock, sherry and nutmeg. Stir and cook, uncovered and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until all vegetables are very tender.
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Allow soup to cool slightly and puree. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If soup is too thick, thin with a little more stock or water.
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For pesto, in the bowl of a food processor, combine the basil, garlic and walnuts with the olive oil. Pulse until a thick paste forms. Add the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a a bowl and serve. If not using immediately, cover pesto with a layer of olive oil and place in the refrigerator.
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