Southwestern Winter Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is one of those meals that defines autumn for me. Pretty much as soon as the leaves begin showing hints of orange, I start scooping up these big-bottomed squashes at the market and putting this creamy soup on the regular meal rotation.

This fall, I thought I’d mix things up a bit and add a Southwestern spin to my usual butternut squash soup. Cumin and coriander add spicy warmth while a squeeze of orange and lime give it a hit of late-fall sunshine.

INGREDIENTS:

2 medium kabocha or butternut squash (about 4 pounds)
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 white corn tortillas, torn into large pieces
4 carrots, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 red Fresno or jalapeno chile pepper, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

ASSORTED TOPPINGS:

Pomegranate seeds
Sliced scallions
Sour cream mixed with lime zest and juice
Toasted pepitas
Cooked bacon

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
Rub all over with 1 teaspoon olive oil and season the cut sides with salt and pepper.
Arrange cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast until very tender, about 30 minutes (a fork should easily pierce the skin).
Set aside until cool enough to handle, then scoop out the squash into a bowl and discard the skin.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the tortilla pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the carrots, red onion, chile, garlic, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper.
Cook, stirring, until the onion has softened, about 4 minutes.
Add the roasted squash, broth and 3 cups water.
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the carrots are very tender, about 25 minutes.
Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth; return to the pot. (Or puree the soup in the pot with an immersion blender.)
Add up to 1 cup water if the soup is too thick and reheat if needed.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve with toppings.

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Resource: Food Network