Apple and Butternut Squash Soup

Today has been the most wonderful relaxation day my family has had in a while. We had a nice family breakfast - the first in a few months that everyone was there together. Since it is incredibly hot and uncomfortable outside, we decided to stay indoors (except poor Marina who went to pick up trash on a bike trail with a service group in this heat). Dad wallpapered the bathroom, mom prepped dinner, Gus unpacked from Alaska, and I made Apple and Butternut Squash soup. We listened to music, played checkers and enjoyed each others company. For lunch we had my soup and some homemade guacamole - absolutely delicious. It's good to have time to enjoy the last few weeks at home.

Apple and Butternut Squash Soup

(Deb O'Hanlon's recipe)

3 Tbs. Unsalted Butter

1 Lg. Onion, chopped

2 Tbs. Curry Powder

1 tsp. Chili Powder

2 1/2 C. Chicken Broth

3 lb Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded and cubed (8 cups)

21 oz. Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (3 cups)

Salt and Pepper

1/2 C. Heavy Cream

2 1/2 C. Chicken Broth

1 Tbs. Fresh Parsley, chopped

or

1 Tbs. Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Directions:

In a large heavy pot, melt butter over medium heat. 

add onions and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. 

Add curry powder and chili powder, mix well. Cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.

Stir in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, squash, apples, and salt and pepper to taste.

Bring to a boil. 

Reduce heat.

Cover and simmer 30-45 minutes until squash is very tender, stirring occasionally.

Strain soup over a bowl to reserve the liquid. 

Puree vegetables in a food processor in several batches.

In same pot, combine vegetable puree, reserved cooking liquid, cream, and 2 1/2 cups chicken broth.

Bring just to a simmer.

Ladle soup into warm bowls

Garnish with parsley. 

My variation:

The squash I had made 10 cups so I added a 4th cup of apples to balance it out. (1 squash and 3 apples)

I put 3 3/4cup of chicken broth in to cook the vegetables because it didn't seem like enough liquid, and then at the end added just 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup half&half cream. I put a few twigs of cilantro into the soup to cook with it. 

I had no idea how difficult squash is to cut! It was very tough but cooked down nicely!

Simmering!

(straining and pureeing squash)

Our lovely lunch! Everyone gets their own portion of guacamole because it's one of those foods we have a hard time sharing. It brings out our greedy sides :)