Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Parmesan
The flavor of butternut squash in this bright yellow soup is balanced with onion, leeks, celery, sage, a generous amount of Parmesan and nutmeg. Cayenne and black pepper give it a bit of a kick. This is a nice starter for an autumn meal.Based on a recipe by Moira Hodgson, The New York Times, November 2, 1997.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 cups Spanish or vidalia onion diced
- 1 1/2 cups celery diced, approximately 2 large celery stalks
- 2 cups leeks white part only, coarsely chopped, approximately 2 average sized leeks
- 4 cloves garlic sliced thin
- 7 cups no sodium chicken broth preheated. Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version
- 1/4 pound Parmesan piece or rinds tied with string in a piece of cheesecloth
- 10 cups butternut squash peeled and 1" cubed (approximately two, 2 lb squash)
- 3 fresh sage leaves chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- pinch black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Garnishes
- 3 scallions thinly sliced
- freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- In a 6 quart stock pot over medium heat, heat canola oil, . Add onion, celery, leeks and garlic; cook until soft, approximately 7 minutes.
- Add chicken or vegetable broth. Tie Parmesan pieces in piece of cheese cloth and add to pot. Simmer 15 minutes. Add butternut squash, sage, bay leaf, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne. Cook until squash is tender, about 10 - 15 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf and cheese. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree until smooth. If too thick, add additional broth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm, garnished with scallions. Pass freshly grated Parmesan separately.
Notes
Handling butternut and acorn squash can cause a contact dermatitis reaction, resulting in orange and cracked skin. To avoid this, wear gloves when peeling.