This deeply flavored, creamy squash soup with sweet caramelized onions makes a delicious start to fall or winter meals.
Ingredients
Squash
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large onions, chopped
2 pounds hubbard or kabocha squash, roasted (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 cup whole milk, or more if needed
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Garnish
1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
1/2 cup dry toasted pumpkin seeds
Croutons
1 1/2 cups whole wheat bread cubes, about 4 thick slices
1 tablespoon butter or oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation
Squash
Halve, seed and roast the squash on a sheet pan in a 400° F oven. When the squash is tender when pierced with a paring knife, cool on a rack and then scoop out the squash to measure 2.5 cups. In a large pot, melt the butter and start sautéing the onions over medium high heat, then reduce to medium low and stir every five minutes for at least an hour. You can put the heat on very low and cook it for two hours, for an even deeper flavor. When the onions are meltingly soft and golden, add the mashed squash and stir, then transfer the contents of the pan to a food processor or blender, or use an immersion blender. Puree, adding stock as needed to make a smooth puree. Add the milk, salt, paprika and cayenne and process to mix. Transfer back to the pot and heat gently over medium low heat, stirring.
Serve one-cup servings in wide bowls, garnish each with 1/4 cup yogurt, a couple of heaping tablespoons of pumpkin seeds, and 1/4 cup croutons.
Croutons
For croutons: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Pile the bread cubes on a sheet pan with a rim and drizzle with melted butter or oil, add salt and toss to coat. Toast for 20-30 minutes, until the croutons are crisp. Let cool on rack and store in an airtight container.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 395, Fat: 16 g, Cholesterol: 26 mg, Sodium: 721 mg, Carbohydrate: 51 g, Dietary Fiber: 8 g, Protein: 6 g