Squash Soup

SQUASH SOUP This is so easy. We love to change out the flavors with different spices! At the Farmer’s Market, our full line of spices including our raz el hangout and kitchari curry are available. Either one of this spices would make the squash soup super tasty.    3 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil ( could be a mix of the 2)    2 cups chopped yellow onions ( about 2 medium onions)    2 apples, diced     6 cups puréed squash *    1 1/2 (3 cups) pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut in small cubes (optional), roasted     6 cups homemade chicken stock or canned broth    2 teaspoons sea salt    1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper    1 cup half and half (optional)     Toppings: Crème fraîche, grated Gruyere, or croutons, olive oil  or sage (sage butter )Heat the butter and oil in a stockpot, add the onions. If you wish to add a spice (kitchari curry or a curry blend) add a tablespoon with the onions and sauté over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until translucent. Add the squash purée, apples, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Process the mixture through the medium blade of a food mill or blender or food processor. Return to the pot. OPTIONAL: Add the half and half and the cubed squash and heat slowly. Flavor as you wish: curry, or cumin or raz el hanout. Adjust for salt and pepper. Serve hot with garnishes, if desired. *Squash Purée: Cut a squash in half (or if it it is super large like a Hubbard, drop it on the clean floor to smash it open!), rub with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in the oven on a sheet pan for 30-50 minutes (depending on the size of the squash) or until it is soft when you insert a fork. Remove from the oven and allow to cook. Scrape away the flesh and mash either with a masher or a food processor. This can be stored in a zip lock bag for 3 months in the freezer.Check our our Fall and Early Winter Cooking Classes. We have teamed up with Morning Glory Farm for some behind-the-scenes tours and cooking classes. Check them out here.