roasted butternut squash soup aka the perfect fall meal

Last week I was shopping (at Costco) and saw that they sell butternut squash already cut into cubes. Um, yes! please! I bought a package and went scouring the internets for a soup recipe. I found a ton so combined a few to make my own. I have to say, it was DELICIOUS. We had Chris' parents over that night and everyone gobbled it up. Even my father-in-law who "doesn't usually like soup". And even the boys, who complain about EVERYTHING unless it's pizza.

Amounts are approximate, because I don't really measure unless I'm baking:

1 package (2 lbs) of butternut squash (peeled, seeded and cubed thanks to Costco)
1 T olive oil
salt and pepper

6 strips of bacon, chopped*

1 onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
12-15 baby carrots, chopped
2 t curry powder
1 t thyme (I love me some thyme)
salt and pepper to taste

1 tart green apple (granny smith) peeled and cubed - DO NOT OMIT (I know it sounds weird, but it is really yummy)
1 T minced garlic
1 c apple cider
1 quart chicken broth

Spread squash in a single layer on a baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes until squash is tender and beginning to caramelize.

Cook bacon in a heavy deep pan over med-high heat until browned. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate, reserving bacon grease in the pan.

Cook onion, celery, carrot, curry powder, thyme and salt and pepper in the pan with reserved bacon grease* until celery and carrots are soft. Stir in the apples and roasted squash and cook for another 5 minutes or so. Add the garlic. Pour the apple cider and chicken stock. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes over medium-low heat.

With your immersion blender (or in small batches in a regular blender) puree the soup. I left mine a little chunky, but next time I think I would puree it just a little more.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and some of that crumbled bacon. You won't regret it.

*I used the "real crumbled bacon" also from Costco, so I didn't have any reserved bacon grease...I just used a splash of olive oil instead.


 

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