Recipe: Butternut Squash + Apple Soup

I think we’re ready to admit: it’s autumn. A chill in the air, crunchy leaves underfoot, and the season’s bountiful harvest all point to one mission – making one of our favorite soups. Grab some squash from your farmers’ market or from your backyard and we’ll begin!

Too tiny to use but oh-so-cute!

Prep & cook time: 30 min
Servings: about 8
Ingredients
3-4 tablespoons high-quality butter or olive oil (for a dairy-free option)
4 lbs butternut squash, roasted (average butternut squash weighs 2-3lbs so plan accordingly)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 apples, chopped
1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
3/4 tsp cinnamon
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup pumpkin seeds (topping)

Instructions
Roast butternut squash first. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, cut squash open lengthwise and remove seeds. Place squash upside-down on baking sheet and pour about 1/2 cup water on the bottom of baking sheet (or enough so it surrounds squash and helps to steam it). Roast 25-30 minutes, until flesh is fork-tender.

Meanwhile, melt butter/olive oil in pot over medium heat. Add onion and saute until tender (about 8 minutes). Add the roasted squash, apples, and water/vegetable broth. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add cinnamon and turn off burner to cool food slightly. Then, in small batches, transfer mixture from pot to a high-speed blender and puree until smooth. If too thick, add more liquid. Season with salt & pepper, transfer to serving bowl and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds. Optional: serve with blue corn chips or whole grain crackers.