09/29/2024
Recipe for Tuesday October 1st (can you believe it- this year is flying by!!!
The Fall season is upon us and squash is plentiful and CHEAP!!!
Let's make a delicious easy HEALTHY soup with a few variations
Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup
or any squash you prefer-WHAT’S ON SALE!!!!!
Kabocha squash are hard! Take care when cutting and use a heavy knife. I find it helps to put the whole squash in the microwave first for a minute before cutting. That softens the outer skin just enough to make it easier for the knife to pe*****te.
Ingredients
• 1/2 large kabocha squash, seeded (about 3 to 4 pounds for the 1/2 squash)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 cups chopped or sliced onions ( I like Vidalia)
• 2 ribs celery, sliced
• 3 cloves fresh garlic or 1 tablespoon garlic powder)
• 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• Lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro, optional for serving
Set the oven to 400°F
Scoop out the seeds (you can toast them like pumpkin seeds!
Place the squash pieces on parchment or Silpat-lined roasting pan. Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil over all sides, and sprinkle with salt.
Put the squash pieces skin side up on the pan. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes until completely cooked through. The pieces should be soft and caramelized at the edges. Remove from oven and let sit.
Sauté the onions, celery, garlic, ginger, and spices:
While the squash is cooling, heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium-high heat in a large (4- to 6-quart) pan. Add the onions and celery and cook until softened, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, and coriander and cook 2 minutes more.
Add the peeled squash, stock, salt, and pepper and simmer:
Once the squash is cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skin. Place the roasted kabocha squash flesh into the pot with the onions and celery mixture. Add the stock, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to high to bring the soup to a simmer. Then, lower the heat to low. Partially cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat. Use an immersion blender (or work in batches with a standing blender, only filling the blender bowl 1/2 of the way each time) to purée the soup.
Add more salt to taste.
OPTIONAL
Sprinkle with lime juice ,sour cream and or chopped cilantro to serve.