Roasted Squash Soup

It's fall and that means the fall harvest fruits and veggies are here!  My CSA box brought some gorgeous apples and butternut squash.  What better to make than a fall squash soup?!     I really like this soup with a serrano chili added to steep and impart flavor.  You can puree it into the soup if you prefer a little spicier.  It can be omitted altogether if you wish.  I don't usually add the heavy cream since my guy has dairy issues.  Good thing we really do prefer it dairy free.  I like options, hope you do too!

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP 

1 medium butternut squash (approx. 3 lbs.), peeled, seeded and cut into chunks 

1 granny smith apple, quartered and cored, skin on 

1medium onion, preferably sweet, peeled and quartered 

1 shallot, peeled and quartered 

1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil 

salt & pepper to taste 

4 c chicken stock 

1 Tbs maple syrup 

1 tsp cider vinegar 

¼ tsp ground nutmeg 

* ¼ c heavy cream, optional 

**½ Serrano chili, seeded with ribs removed 

Preheat oven to 450°F. 

In mixing bowl, toss squash, apple, onion and shallot with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Arrange 

mixture in single layer in roasting pan.  Roast until vegetables are golden brown, soft and 

carmelizing, approx. 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Remove apple skins.  Put vegetables into a stock pot or large saucepan.  Deglaze the roasting 

pan on the stove top with ½ cup of chicken stock.  Scrape up the fond (bits and pieces on 

bottom of roasting pan) and pour into the stock pot with the veggies.  Add remaining chicken 

stock to pot.  Using a blender stick, puree the veggies and stock to a fine smooth puree.  Add 

syrup, vinegar, and nutmeg.  Bring to a simmer over low heat. Add water or additional stock if 

necessary to adjust consistency.   

Serve, garnishing with small dollop of crème fraiche and baked apple chips. 

*Optional:  Finish with heavy cream.  Do not bring to a boil after adding cream. 

**If you like a little kick in your soup, add ½ a Serrano chili, seeded with ribs removed and 

allow to steep and impart flavor as you bring the soup to a simmer.  Remove the chili before 

serving.   

Eat happy!

Carolyne