Butternut Squash Soup

Aside from pumpkin, butternut squash is something that reminds me of fall. I got suckered into buying a big container of pre-cut butternut squash at Costco. There is something about that place that you always come out with a cart full of stuff that you didn't go in needing. Needless to say, I had to find a way to use it all up and I love butternut squash soup. I particularly liked that this recipe doesn't require you to roast the squash ahead of time, making it quicker and one less pan to clean. It was extremely flavorful and even met approval of my skeptical husband, so all around a success. It is perfect for lunch or dinner on a cold fall/winter day.

Butternut Squash Soup
Slighty adapted from: Giada De Laurentiis
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons butter, at room temperature

2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch pieces (about 7 to 8 cups)

6 cups low-sodium chicken stock

1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
In an 8-quart stockpot, add the butter and oil and melt together over medium-high heat. Add the onion and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the squash and the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the sage. Continue to boil until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Keep the soup warm over low heat.

To serve, ladle the soup into bowls.

Note: The cooked vegetable mixture can also be pureed (after cooling for about 5 minutes) by ladling, in batches, into a food processor or blender and blended until smooth.