Tuesday, October 23, 2007

A Taste of Africa

On our trip to Africa this summer, we must have had a dozen bowls of butternut squash soup. They really love the stuff over there and boy is it good. So, when our temperatures finally dropped below 90 degrees, I began to think that maybe I'd like to make some butternut soup of my own. A little bit of fall, a little bit of travel nostalgia and just the right amount of yum. Here's the recipe I used - just in case you want your very own "African experience" right in the comfort of your own kitchen - no 15 hour flight necessary:

1 medium butternut squash (about 2.25 pounds)
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger, optional
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1-2 cups water, as needed
Salt and pepper to taste
Sour cream for garnish

Cut the squash in half lenthwise and scoop out the seeds. Arrange the halves cut side down in a greased roasting pan. Bake squash in the oven for 40-45 minutes at 375 degrees or until it is very tender. Set aside to cool. Cook the onion and the ginger in the butter in a saucepan over medium low heat for 5 minutes or until the onion is softened. Add the broth and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, covered. When the squash is completely cool, scoop out the flesh and add it to the saucepan. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor in batches and puree until smooth. Add enough water to achieve the desired consistency and salt and pepper to taste. Return the soup to the sauce pan and cook over medium heat until hot. Garnish with sour cream when serving.

7 comments:

Emily Cade said...

That sounds so good! I LOVE butternut squash dishes, so I will definately try it. It's the perfect time of the year for this, too! It's getting semi-cooler outside...

Lindsay said...

That sounds amazing. I love Butternut Squash so I can't imagine not loving some soup. I am so glad it is cooling off for soup! I love my birthday month! :)

Lynn Leaming said...

I love soups too! I am never brave to make them without buying the prepackaged mixes, but this one seems fairly easy. I will have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!

Jacque said...

Sounds delicious, thanks for sharing. It's frigid here so I'm ready to curl up with a nice bowl of soup. Yum!

Dara said...

Hope you posted this on the BAD recipe blog as well... sounds yummy! Love soup!

Juanita said...

You are the best, I love butternut squash. This sounds wonderful.. I am going to get my wonderful husband to make some. Thanks.

Christina said...

This sounds great! I think I may try it and see if Dustin will give it a go :)! (He's not much of a vegetable person, but I still try!)